China's State Grid, the nation's biggest power grid operator, said it would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10.5 billion tons over the next decade by applying smart grid technologies.

The smart grid could send electricity longer distances with less waste, compared with conventional power transmission technology, said Bai Jianhua, a researcher with the Energy Research Institute under State Grid.

The company said it would start construction of the smart grid in 2011, and the project is scheduled to be completed by 2020.

The smart grid technology will also help the country reach its emission reduction target.