GOVERNMENT
Nuclear Fusion Researchers in China Seek More Funding (5-26-11)
In April, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the China National Nuclear Corporation recommended government funding for at least 200 researchers who are pursuing PhDs in nuclear fusion. This will mean a large increase to the 1,254 researchers in China already doing nuclear fusion research. China is also involved in international projects, such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project in France.
http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2011/05/26/china-cranks-up-heat-on-nuclear-fusion/
ENERGY TECH BUSINESS
“Clean energy certification proposed” (5-27-11)
To improve investments in renewables, third party evaluation of the projects could give potential investors more information and assurances on the projects. For example, Climate Friendly, a company out of Australia, and WWF developed the GoldPower label. The program certifies businesses that want to reduce their emissions.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/business/2011-05/27/content_12593806.htm
Increasing Electricity Prices and a Reduction in Energy Production (5-24-11)
Electricity shortages are not new. Last year, electricity was rationed to meet the country’s five-year plan in energy intensity reductions. Cities and towns often experience scheduled blackouts. Under the pressure of high coal prices, China’s state-owned utility companies have reduced electricity production. The increase in coal production has not alleviated this problem. The government controlled electricity prices are inadequate to meet the coal prices. Retail electricity prices are scheduled to increase in June, but they mainly affect industrial users and not residential users. Notably, the China Electricity Council denies there is a countrywide electricity shortage. Instead, it states that electricity shortages are simply a regional problem.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-30/china-raises-industrial-power-prices-in-15-provinces-to-help-ease-shortage.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/25/business/energy-environment/25coal.html?_r=1&ref=china
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/china/2011-05/27/content_12594470.htm
http://europe.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2011-05/27/content_12590075.htm
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/business/2011-05/17/content_12523149.htm
Rare-Earth “Inventory” (5-18-11)
Previously discussed in this newsletter was China’s rare earth mineral production. Rare earth minerals are crucial to electronics, both consumer and military, and renewable energy equipment. Because China is the main producer of rare earth minerals, and recently it has imposed export quotas on the material, the U.S. has made plans to increase domestic production. On top of domestic production, Representative Coffman of Colorado recently introduced an amendment to the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act that would require the Department of Defense to plan an inventory of rare earth minerals. Meanwhile, the China State Council released a document on stricter policies for rare earth minerals mining, working to curb illegal mining and smuggling, and decreasing consumption.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2011-05/28/content_12597886.htm
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2011/05/18/eyeing-china-rep-coffman-seeks-rare-earth-inventory/
Energy Efficient Buildings (5-16-11)
The 12th Five Year Plan aims to reduce power consumption in public buildings by 10% per unit area and a 15% reduction for the largest buildings. The problem is that the recently completed new buildings still consume more power than standards set by the government in 2005. In order to meet the 12th Five Year Plan goals and to alleviate electricity shortages, energy efficiency renovations for old buildings and new construction of energy efficient buildings are more important than ever. The U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification could be used in China to encourage energy efficiency. Some buildings in China, such as a new Boeing factory in northern China, are already LEED certified.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2011-05/16/content_12514597.htm
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-05/12/content_12500402.htm
