Recommendations for Improving the Effectiveness of Renewable Energy Policies in China

REN21 released its report Recommendations for Improving the Effectiveness of Renewable Energy Policies in China. This report provides a list of recommendations to the policy makers in China on improving the effectiveness of renewable energy policies domestically.

This report was commissioned by REN21 and produced in collaboration with the Chinese Renewable Energy Industry Association (CREIA) and technology experts from various Chinese research institutions and the private sector. It was derived from a larger background paper with more detailed scrutiny of each renewable energy technology and its policy implications in China.

The central government of China has devoted significant attention to the deployment of renewable energy in order to maximize the major role renewable energy plays in helping the country meet its rising energy demand, improve its energy structure, reduce environmental pollution, stimulate economic growth, and create job opportunities. Its renewable energy industry and domestic market have grown significantly as a result of the Renewable Energy Law of 2005 and the Medium-and Long-Term Development Plan for Renewable Energy of 2007. Power generation from wind and solar photovoltaics has become a new engine of economic growth in many regions, helping to meet local energy needs and create large numbers of jobs. Other renewable energy technologies are also accelerating, including solar water heating, biomass power generation, biomass pellet production, small hydro power, geothermal and ocean energy. The report identifies and addresses a number of challenges renewable energy development in China currently faces, including grid connectivity, policy enforcement, lack of R&D and technical experts in wind technology, strong dependence of the solar photovoltaic industry on foreign markets, and the need for a centralized renewable energy industry association. It concludes with recommendations for policy makers.

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