China - First wind energy research center targets Hebei

The Chinese Academy of Sciences has signed an agreement with the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands to study the feasibility of operating a wind energy research center in Baoding, Hebei Province.

According to local media, the parties will first conduct a survey on the feasibility of establishing the wind energy research center in Baoding and then issue a feasibility report in April 2008. ECN will reportedly invest about EU$200,000 for the study. According to a representative from Baoding High-Tech Zone Merchants Bureau, the center will first start with the core technology related to wind power and then gradually extend to other fields.

Wind power, as an important component of China's renewable resources, has been included into the country's scientific development plan for the 11th Five Year Period.

Baoding's "China Power Valley" is the first national-level new energy and resource equipment industry zone in China and it has already reportedly taken a leading position in China's domestic wind power and electric power research. Baoding Municipal Government has already signed a direct memorandum of understanding with ECN.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences' mission is to conduct research in basic and technological sciences; to undertake nationwide integrated surveys on natural resources and ecological environment; and to provide China with scientific data and advice for government decision-making.