China's renewable energy revolution gathers pace

Renewable energy will account for 10 per cent of total Chinese energy consumption by 2010, under a new plan released last month by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

According to Xinhua reports, the NRDC aims to double the country's renewable energy capacity from 2005 levels as part of a strategy to curb carbon emissions while still meeting growing energy demands.

It claims that by 2010 the country is expected to boast 190m kw of hydropower capacity and 10m kw of wind capacity, as well as 5.5m kw of bio-energy projects and 10m kw of wind capacity.

The plan forms a key part of the NDRC's climate change strategy, which was released last year and aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions whilst retaining the country's rapid economic growth.

The plan is the latest indication that China is emerging as a major force in the booming global renewable energy industry. The country already boasts a number of high profile cleantech firms, such as solar suppliers Qiangsheng and Suntech Power, and observers claim its low cost manufacturing base mean it is well positioned to exploit burgeoning demand for wind turbines and solar panels.

Last year the government also announced it was to invest $3bn in forestry and renewable energy projects designed to cut emissions through the UN's clean development mechanism.