China's Wind Power Industry
China has been rapidly increasing their utilization of wind power for electricity generation, driven by recent policy support highlighted below:
National Renewable Energy Law
On February 28, 2005, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China passed a comprehensive renewable energy law which advances a number of policy measures to promote renewable energy development in China. The law goes into effect on January 2006. (English Translation of Law)
Green Electricity Purchase for Wind Power in Shanghai
On June 7, 2005 the Shanghai Economic Commission announced that twelve enterprises in Shanghai have voluntarily purchased green electricity at a price 0.53 yuan higher than that of conventional power. This marks the establishment and actual operation of China's first green pricing program. So far, Shanghai has established a 3.4 MW wind farm in Fengxian District. Another 20 MW wind power installation in Chongming and Nanhui will start operation the end of June. The first batch of green electricity purchased by the twelve enterprises will be equal to 50% of the power output from Fengxian, Chongming, and Nanhui wind farms.
Rapid Growth in New Wind Farm Development
At the end of 2004, China had installed about 750 MW of wind power capacity. Although still a small player compared with wind energy leaders like Germany, Spain, the USA and Denmark, China's annual growth rates in new wind power capacity have been significant. Even plans to develop an offshore wind farm are underway.
Wind Power Capacity: World Leaders and China
Research
China Energy Group research on China's wind power industry is available on the policy publications page.
