Roaring 40s in boost from China

Launceston Examiner
Saturday 19/8/2006, Page: 22

Roaring 40s looks set to increase its interests in China after Premier Paul Lennon held highlevel talks with major energy companies in Beijing.

Roaring 40s, a joint venture between Hydro Tasmania and China Light and Power, already has partnerships with Guohua Energy Investment Corporation and China Datang Corporation, the largest power company in the country.

Mr Lennon met representatives of both companies during a day of talks yesterday. Mr Lennon said that Roaring 40s was set to extend its arrangement with Guohua for the Rongcheng wind farm, currently a 50MW project.

"There are plans to install a further 100MW over the medium term in a deal worth $300 million and I am hopeful that Roaring 40s will be able to play a crucial role in that development," he said.

Mr Lennon said that talks with China Datang Corporation were "extremely positive" and further developments with Roaring 40s were likely.

The Premier also held bilateral discussions with Madame Jiang, an influential member of the Chinese Government, over sustainable forestry.