31-08-04
China is seeking alternate energy supplies in regions where sources other
than coal or oil, such as solar or wind power, are possible, said an official.
Zheng Xinli, deputy director of the Policy Research Office of the Communist
Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, a major think tank, noted that
"China has rich renewable energy resources, and must optimise its energy
structure to shake off its energy shortage." In northern China, wind power development has become a popular industry.
According to Zhou Fengqi, a senior officer for a state wind power program, China
has 3.2 bn kW of wind power capacity, 253 mm kW are useable, ranking first in
the world.
Meanwhile, China is also developing terrestrial heat and tidal energy, mainly
in provinces in south-western China and provinces along the coast respectively.
Experts noted the use of alternative energy resources usually have problems in
technologies and funds, with higher development costs and lower utilization
rate.
Source: XinhuaChina is seeking alternate energy supplies
The use of solar and wind energy is mature in China, he acknowledged, but the
effective use of terrestrial heat and tidal energy remain primitive. He said
China has formed an energy development strategy that depends on the uniqueness
of local energy resources.
In the west, where the average daily sunlight surpasses 3,000 kW, solar power
use has been used. In Qinghai province, there are 39 established solar power
stations, effectively solving power shortages in remote areas.
The Chinese government is drafting a bill to promote the use of renewable energy
and is expected to submit it to the National People's Congress for passage at
the end of the year.