The guide, titled Pursuing Renewable Energy Business with China, was released yesterday by Australian Environment Minister Ian Campbell and Chinese Ambassador to Australia Madame Fu Ying.

The release of the guide coincides with the Australian Government’s renewable energy business mission to China today.

It also comes at an opportune time with the opening of Australian wind power company Roaring 40s’ first wind farm this month in Shuangliao in the Jilin province of China.

The 100-megawatt wind farm is a joint venture between Tasmania-based Roaring 40s and Datang Jilin, a subsidiary of China Datang Corporation.

Roaring 40s was established last year as a joint venture between the China Light & Power Group and Hydro Tasmania.

Campbell said differences in language, business culture, legal systems and internal administrative arrangements – combined with the sheer size of China – could be daunting for businesses.

“This guide helps explain these differences so that both Australian and Chinese firms are better equipped to build strong, lasting and mutually beneficial business relationships,” he said.

“The Australian and Chinese governments have an excellent relationship and spirit of cooperation on climate change and it’s important we get the business relationships right too.

“To help develop these relationships, I’ll be accompanied by 58 members of Australian industry when I lead Australia’s largest ever renewable energy and energy efficiency business mission to China next week.”

The mission forms part of the Australian Government’s practical international action on climate change.

Campbell said Australian renewable energy technologies were ideal for a large, energy hungry Chinese market looking to supply power to 1.3 billion people.

By 2020 China aims to have increased its uptake of renewable energy to 15% of its total energy supply under its new renewable energy law.

Campbell said total grid-connected wind power capacity in China was less than one gigawatt in 2004 and was expected to grow to 30GW by 2020, which would be more than enough power for the equivalent of every home in Australia and New Zealand.

“By matching Australia’s expertise in renewable energy with China’s rapidly growing demand for energy, we can benefit the environment, help China meet its growing energy needs, and generate profits for Australian businesses,” he said.

“Like any commodity, the way to bring down the price is by achieving economies of scale. Helping Australian companies to tap into the Chinese market will help achieve this.

“During the mission I will discuss with the vice-chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, Jiang Weixin, the next round of projects we will undertake as part of our bilateral climate change partnership.”

Campbell is also expected to attend the high level segment of an international conference on the protection of the marine environment from land-based activities whilst in China.