China will build 100 new-energy model cities during the 12th Five Year Plan (2011-2015), 21st Century Business Herald reported Wednesday.

The plan to build the new-energy cities is included in the 12th Five-Year Energy Plan, a National Energy Administration official told the newspaper.

But, the official said, the concept of "new-energy cities" is still in the early stage of development, adding that the evaluation system and relevant policies are being drafted. They are expected to come out later this year.

The National Energy Administration has not started accepting applications from cities to take part in the program, the report said. Still, some local governments are actively preparing to apply.