China is seeking alternate energy
supplies in regions where sources such as solar or wind power are
practical, according to Zheng Xinli. Zheng, deputy director of the
Policy Research Office of the Communist Party of China's Central
Committee, a major think tank, said, "China has rich renewable
energy resources, and must optimize its energy structure to shake
off its energy shortage."
The use of solar and wind energy is fairly well advanced, but the
effective use of terrestrial heat and tidal energy remain
primitive. Zheng stated that an energy development strategy that
depends on local energy resources has now been developed.
In northern China, wind power development is now a growth industry.
According to Zhou Fengqi, a senior official for a state wind power
program, China has 3.2 billion kilowatts of wind power capacity,
with 253 million kilowatts useable. That puts it in first place
internationally.
In the west, where the average daily sunlight surpasses 3,000
kilowatts, solar power is commonly used. In Qinghai
Province, there are presently 39 solar power stations to cope
with power shortages in remote areas.
The country is also beginning to develop its terrestrial heat
resources in southwestern China and tidal energy along the
coast.
Development of alternative energy resources frequently runs into
technological and funding problems, as development costs run high
and utilization rates low.
However, the Chinese government is drafting a bill to promote the
use of renewable energy. It is scheduled to be submitted to the
National People's Congress for passage at the end of the
year.
(Xinhua News Agency August 31, 2004)