On the back of planned trade talks between Chinese government officials and Prime Minister John Howard, China plans to increase its previous target of 5000 megawatts to 8000MW of wind energy installed by 2010.
In 2006 alone China increased its wind energy capacity by 80%, installing 1000MW to take its current total to 2300MW.
Auswind president Andrew Richards said the move showed the kind of forward thinking and determination that was required for fossil fuel-reliant economies to clean up their energy production.
"Like Australia, China depends largely on coal for electricity production so it is very encouraging to see the Chinese Government taking a leadership position by showing a solid commitment to clean energy production, putting its support behind the most effective large-scale technology available – wind energy," he said.
According to the Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association, China plans to spend 1.5 trillion yuan in the next 15 years to increase its use of renewable resources and reduce the world's fourth-largest economy's reliance on coal and oil.
Richards said: "Australia should applaud this type of initiative and look to follow suit, as other options such as nuclear energy and so-called clean coal technology are at least 15 to 20 years from reality in this country."
