Partially funded by the United Nations Industrial Development
Organization (UNIDO), an international center for the promotion and
transfer of solar energy is set for development commencing in the
spring of 2006 in Lanzhou, the capital of northwest China's Gansu
Province.
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The center will be established on the basis of the existing Natural
Energy Institute of Gansu, and UNIDO will provide up to US$300,000
as supplemental startup capital, explained Xi Wenhua, who serves
dual positions as vice president of the Gansu Provincial Academy of
Sciences, and as head of the Natural Energy Institute.
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The Chinese Government will input 150 million yuan (about US$18.5
million) to cover the cost of land acquisition plus expenses
required for the construction of a headquarters for the new center,
said Xi.
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Throughout China there are more than 3,000 firms engaged in the
production of solar energy converters. By late 2004, Chinese firms
had generated 500,000-megawatt photovoltaic units.
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The Natural Energy Institute of Gansu has developed more than 130
solar energy technology applications in its 30-year history. It has
also established an information network for the exchange of solar
energy technology, conducted relevant cooperation with
organizations from more than 90 nations, and supported the training
of approximately 500 solar energy technicians and managerial
personnel for 76 developing countries.
(Xinhua News Agency December 26, 2005)