China closed down 18.4 million tons of outmoded iron and steel production capacity in the first half of the year in an effort to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, said the National Development and Reform Commission on Friday.

The shutdown included 9.7 million tons of iron capacity and 8.7 million tons of steel capacity in Beijing and nine provinces such as Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi and Liaoning.

The 10 major steel producing regions promised in April that 22.6 million tons of iron capacity and 24.2 million tons of steel capacity would be eliminated for the whole of 2007.

China plans to phase out 100 million tons of out-of-date iron capacity and 55 million tons of steel capacity by 2010 as the country's steel makers consume too much energy and cause serious pollution.

The plan is expected to save 50 million tons of coal equivalent and 100 million tons of water and reduce 400,000 tons of sulfur dioxide emissions annually.

Last year, China maintained its position as the world's No. 1 steel producer for the 11th consecutive year. Its output, at 420 million tons, accounts for 34 percent of the world total.

It is estimated that the country's steel output will reach 500 million tons this year.