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China Raises Solar Subsidies to Push Installation, Zheng Says
2010-12-18 06:37:58.892 GMT
By Bloomberg News
Dec. 18 (Bloomberg) -- China, the world's largest energy
user, raised solar energy subsidies in 2010 to help expand its
domestic installation market, a government official said.
The country allocated 3 billion yuan ($451 million) in 2010,
a 50 percent increase from last year, to subsidize solar
demonstration projects under its Golden Sun program, Zheng
Fangneng, director of the energy and transport division of the
high-tech department in China's Ministry of Science and
Technology, said today at a conference in Beijing.
China is offering subsidies to solar power projects under
the program that began in 2009 in order to boost development of
renewable energy by lowering costs and to ensure electricity
supplies pass through areas where there is limited access.
The country approved 201 megawatts of "Golden-Sun"
projects in 2009, Zheng said, adding "Not all of the projects
were and will be implemented." He didn't disclose the reasons
for the failed implementation.
The Ministry of Finance said in November that China
selected 272 megawatts of solar projects eligible for subsidies
in 2010.
Those projects must be completed within a year, the
ministry said. Provinces that have 70 percent of uncompleted
projects will not be able to apply for future subsidies for new
initiatives.
The 70 percent completion target is intended to push local
governments to strengthen coordination in carrying out projects,
according to Zheng.
For Related News and Information:
Most-read alternative energy stories: MNI ALTNRG <GO>
For top news on renewable energy TOP ENV <GO>
--Editors: Paul Tighe
To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story:
Feifei Shen in Beijing at +86-10-6649-7527 or
Fshen11@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story:
Reed Landberg at +44-20-7330-7862 or
landberg@bloomberg.net.
