China, the world’s largest energy user, raised solar energy subsidies this year to help expand its domestic installation market, a government official said.
The country allocated 3 billion yuan (US$451 million) this year, a 50 percent increase from last year, to subsidize solar demonstration projects under its Golden Sun program, Zheng Fangneng (鄭方能), director of the energy and transport division of the high-tech department in China’s Ministry of Science and Technology, said yesterday at a conference in Beijing.
China is offering subsidies to solar power projects under the program that began last year 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 last year, 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 last month that China had selected 272 megawatts of solar projects eligible for subsidies this year.
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, Zheng said.
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