China will open an electricity trading market for hydropower and nuclear power generators, and accelerate the process for coal-fired power plants to join the market, the country’s state planner said in a statement on Wednesday. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) also urged local authorities and grid companies to remove barriers on cross-regional power trading and encouraged all types of power generators that can meet energy consumption and emission standards, including captive power plants at industrial plants, to participate in the trading market. China also plans to remove power consumption and generation restrictions for coal, steel, non-ferrous and construction materials companies from this year, allowing them to fully trade in the power market. The NDRC also asked local authorities to reduce intervention during power trading, as it is part of the country’s years-long efforts to liberalize the country’s electricity market. High value industries such as high-tech, internet and big data companies will also be encouraged to join the power market without voltage and usage restrictions, the statement said. Reuters