Chinese Province On The Fast Track To Clean Energy Growth

Research

To achieve these targets, the local government devised

several policies that focus on renewable energy industries.

Another seven preferential policies covering funding, land use and tax will be implemented to encourage new energy projects.

Shandong will also invest 1.2 billion Chinese yuan for the research and development of renewable energy over the next three years.

To boost solar power use, the government requested buildings with less than 12 floors to install solar-powered facilities, including water heaters, energy collectors and generators. Supporting devices, such as silicon and amorphous silicon solar modules and photovoltaic power control systems, should also be installed.

The government also aims to develop seawater-powered heat pump technology to harness the ocean’s power, with minimal environmental impact.

For wind power development, the government will build wind farms in the cities of Yantai, Dongying and Weifang as part of its clean energy drive in both rural and urban areas. The province will also focus on building wind turbines to become one of China’s top wind power equipment manufacturers.

Shandong also pushes companies to build energy efficient automobiles to realize a low-carbon economy. The government targets to manufacture 80,000 new energy-powered vehicles by 2012, which will make up for 6 percent of the province’s total automobiles.

The cities in Shandong are also doing their part to ensure a stable clean energy growth. The city of Dongying inked an agreement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in 2009 to develop renewable energy and clean technology. The U.N. agency will assist Dongying in devising a framework to achieve sustainable development, introduce renewable energy use and attract foreign investments.

When the city meets the organization’s standards, Dongying will be named an international experimental city of clean technology and the new energy industry.

With its coastal areas boasting of well-ventilated and rich soils, Shandong relies mainly on its agriculture industry. The province in eastern China is also famous for its wine production, which contributes to 40 percent of the country’s total grape wine production.