Auswind Media Release,
Monday 15 January 2007
China has announced plans for a huge increase in its wind energy production, aiming to triple its existing wind power capacity by 2010.
As the Prime Minister, John Howard, prepares to hold trade talks with Chinese government officials, China is setting the example for other countries to follow, with a plan to have 8,000 megawatts (MW) of wind energy installed by 2010, up from its previous target of 5,000 MW.
In 2006 alone China increased its wind energy capacity by 80%, installing 1,000 MW, to take its current total to 2,300 MW.
President of the Australian Wind Energy Association (Auswind), Andrew Richards, welcomed the Chinese move, saying it showed the kind of forward thinking and determination that is required for fossil fuel reliant economies to clean up their energy production.
"Like Australia, China depends largely on coal for electricity production so it is very encouraging to see the Chinese government taking a leadership position by showing a solid commitment to clean energy production, putting its support behind the most effective large-scale technology available – wind energy," said Mr. Richards.
The Chinese plan will see 45.6 billion yuan ($7.46 billion) spent to more than triple wind power generation capacity by 2010.
According to the Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association, China plans to spend 1.5 trillion yuan in the next 15 years to increase its use of renewable resources and reduce the world's fourth-largest economy's reliance on coal and oil.
"Australia should applaud this type of initiative and look to follow suit, as other options such as nuclear energy and so-called "clean coal" technology are at least 15 to 20 years from reality in this country," said Mr. Richards.
For a full list of existing and proposed Australian wind energy projects, visit: http://www.auswea.com.au/auswea/projects/projects.asp
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