NRDC China Environmental News Alert

NRDC has been working in China for over twelve years on such issues as energy efficiency, green buildings, clean energy technologies, environmental governance and public participation, and green supply chain issues. This China Environmental News Alert is a weekly compilation of news from around the world on China and the environment.

May 9, 2009 - May 15, 2009

China emerges as a leader in cleaner coal technology

Largely missing from media reports condemning China's extensive use of coal is the fact that the country has become the world's leading builder of more efficient, less polluting coal power plants.  According to an International Energy Agency report, China has "become the major world market for advanced coal-fired power plants with high-specification emission control systems."

New York Times (May 10, 2009)

U.S. Commerce chief plans clean energy trip to China

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Lock, along with Energy Secretary Stephen Chu, will visit China later this year to promote sales of U.S. clean energy goods.  The Obama administration hopes that boosting the sale of clean energy and environmental products could create jobs in the U.S. and reduce its trade deficit with China.

Reuters (May 8, 2009)

China may extend energy-saving goal to 2020 -paper

China may extend its energy efficiency goals through 2020 according to sources involved in the decision.  The report did not make clear whether the 2011-20 target aimed to cut energy intensity by 20 percent as a whole or by 4 percent per year, both of which are targets in the current goals ending in 2010.

Reuters (May 15, 2009)

China calls for deeper CO2 cuts from developed world

A senior NDRC official on Wednesday called on rich nations to commit to a 25-40 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2020.  The official also said that China wanted to reduce emissions using a sectoral approach, but they "just don't know how to do it yet."

Reuters (May 13, 2009)

Coal tar spill pollutes SW China river

Environmental protection and fire fighting staff have begun cleaning a 50-tonne coal tar spill in Chongqing's section of the Jialing River.  Officers are continuing to investigate the cause of the leak.

Xinhua (May 10, 2009)

Foreign firms cry foul over China wind power rules

Although China's heavy investment in wind power has greatly benefited the industry, foreign turbine makers are charging that Beijing will not let them compete.  Large "national-level concession projects," aimed increasing wind power's share in China's energy mix, are typically given to domestic turbine producers.

Reuters (May 13, 2009)

Controversial chemical plant in SE China starts construction

Construction of a controversial Fujian Province chemical plant began Friday after it passed an MEP environmental impact assessment and gained approval from the NDRC.  Construction was originally planned for a different site, but was called off after protests over potential pollution and health effects.

Xinhua (May 8, 2009)

China aims to advance thermal plant closures plan

China's NDRC announced that the country will close 15 gigawatts of small coal-fired power generators this year.  China is encouraging power companies to replace small thermal power generators with large ones as part of its effort to improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution.

Reuters (May 4, 2009)

China needs $190 billion in renewable-energy spending

National Energy Bureau Chief Liang Zhipeng said at the Renewable Energy Finance Forum in Beijing that China needs to invest 1.3 trillion yuan ($190 billion) to achieve its 2020 renewable energy targets.  China wants alternative energy to account for 40 percent of its total energy consumption by 2050.

Bloomberg (May 12, 2009)

To conserve water, China raises prices

Beijing will increase water prices this year as part of its effort to restrict total water consumption to 3.58 billion cubic meters.  The efforts come in response to the postponement of a major project to divert water to Beijing from Danjiangkou Dam on the Yangtze River due to environmental concerns.

Environmental Leader (May 11, 2009)

SAIC to unveil new hybrid vehicles

SAIC Motor Corp, China's largest car maker, plans on launching a series of hybrid and electric vehicles by 2012.  The move comes as Chinese car makers are quickly commercializing new energy vehicles to fit a growing market demand.

Shanghai Daily (May 6, 2009)

China's stance on climate talks firm: official

The NDRC's Climate Change Department director Li Gao indicated that China's call for developed nations to cut emissions and give financial assistance has been detailed in a document to be sent to the UN ahead of the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.  Although the details of the document are still unknown, the government has previously called on developed nations to agree to a 40 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions.

Xinhua (May 15, 2009)

Psychosomatic reaction blamed for mass illness, residents disagree

Although experts ruled out the possibility of chemical pollution as the cause for a mass illness in Jilin Province, local residents believe otherwise.  All of the 161 people hospitalized were workers of the Jilin Chemical Fiber Company. 

Xinhua (May 15, 2009)

China poised to go all out with clean tech

China, faced with the task of continuing economic growth while cleaning its environment, has pinned its hopes on clean energy technology.  Most analysts agree, however, that China cannot clean its environment without cleaning its largest energy source: coal. 

San Francisco Chronicle (May 10, 2009)

Environmental-friendly training program launched in Guangdong

U.S. based Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) launched its new environmental awareness improvement program Wednesday in Guangdong.  The program will help local manufactures establish awareness of environmental protection through training courses on issues such as energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and how to improve health and safety conditions for workers.

Xinhua (May 14, 2009)

Climate Change - Concern and confusion among China's youth

A new survey conducted by Sohu.com indicates that the government's climate change efforts have produced results in terms of awareness of the problem, but many still do not understand and accept government solutions.  The survey presents a picture of how China's youth understand and view global climate change.

China.org.cn (May 14, 2009)

China grants subsidies for private hybrid cars-paper

Shanghai Securities News reported Friday that China will give a subsidy of 43,000 yuan to hybrid car buyers in Chongqing.  The subsidy will be given specifically to buyers of the Jiexun brand hybrid sedan and will amount to an equivalent of a 31 percent discount.

Reuters (May 15, 2009)

Restoring safe drinking water in Sichuan

Diageo, along with the WWF, has been restoring access to safe drinking water in areas hit by the Sichuan earthquake through their "Water of Life" project.  Under the project, Diageo will fund the reconstruction of 18.5 kilometers of water pipes and a total of 20 cisterns at four national nature reserves hard hit by the earthquake.

Shanghai Daily (May 11, 2009)

Environmentally-friendly eco-city to be built in Xinjiang

Xinjiang is planning on building a new eco-city in Beitun Town of Aletai.  The area will be converted into an "environmentally-friendly, energy-saving eco-city with forest cover exceeding 60 percent," according to a local official.

China.org.cn (May 13, 2009)

(CENA prepared by Jason Portner)

See our bilingual (English and Chinese) blog dedicated to discussion of China's environmental law, policy and public participation at http://www.greenlaw.org.cn.