The energy intensity target in China's 11th Five-Year Plan period–Local implementation and achievements in Shanxi Province

• We use Shanxi province to illustrate how local policies respond to the National FYP. • Energy saving in Shanxi has been substantial since the start of the 11th FYP. • Assumptions about baseline energy use strongly affects energy saving estimates. • The most important measures taken by local governments are in the secondary sector. • Further improvement of energy intensity will require efforts especially in heavy industries.