(III) Improvement in Energy Technologies and Equipments The energy technologies stayed at a low level in China in early years following its founding. After introduction of foreign technologies and development of proprietary technologies in the past 60 years, in particular in the 30 years' reform and opening up, China has established a technological system suitable for its energy development.

A complete technological system has been created for the oil and gas industry spanning exploration, development, engineering, construction, production and processing. China enjoys a leading position in the world in terms of exploration and development of complicated fault blocks, and enhancement of oil field recovery.

Offshore Oil Production

China is capable of designing, constructing, equipping and managing 10 million t/y open-pit coal mines as well as large- and medium-sized mining areas. Mechanized mining equipment packages have been widely used; the fully mechanized mining rate of large state-owned mines exceeded 80% in 2007, compared with 65% in 1990.

Working Face of 10 Million t/y Mine

The dominant capacities of individual thermal power units increased from 10,000 KW and 100,000 KW in 1978 to the current 300,000 KW and 600,000 KW, with 1million KW critical and super-critical units becoming the next generation of dominant source. The last unit at the let bank of Three Gorges Hydropower Station reached a localization level of 80%, symbolizing China's leading position in design and manufacturing of large hydropower units. Proprietary technologies and equipments have been used in nuclear power at a faster pace. China has become capable of independently design, manufacturing and construction of 1 million kW pressurized water reactors. China is also capable of making 500 kV DC transmission equipments; 750 kV pilot project has been completed and put into service; ±800 kV DC and 1,000 kV AC pilot projects were commenced. The power grid development has proceeded into a new stage of massive cross-province transmission and nationwide interconnection.

Ultra-high Voltage (UHV) Power Transmission

Though competitive bidding for license of large wind farms and importation of technologies, China-made 1.5 MW wind turbines have been massively put into service, reaching a proprietary rate of 86% and helping reducing the capital and operation costs of wind farms. 3 MW and 5 MW turbines are now under research. Technologies have also been improved greatly in development and use of solar and biomass energies.

Offshore Wind Turbine Erection