Developing Green Technologies

Over the last ten years Chinese enterprises have hiked investment into energy-saving technology R&D. With many patents now amassed, they can offer an array of energy-saving products.

China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) is one of China's largest companies in the field. In recent years its outputs of crude oil and processed product have climbed steadily, but its energy and materials consumption has dropped by a large margin. In 2009 it had 40 energy-saving inventions, 42.5 percent more than in 2007. Between 2005 and 2009, its total carbon dioxide emissions fell by 33.15 million tons, equivalent to the total annual emission of four million cars. The company has invested over RMB 14.5 billion into energy-saving projects, reducing its overall energy consumption per 10,000 yuan of output value to 0.77 ton of coal equivalent, a saving of 14 Mtce.

Shandong Linuo Paradigma Solar Energy, one of Asia's largest solar companies, is engaged in solar heating and photovoltaic projects. It champions the concept of integrating solar energy into buildings. As masters of the core technology, the company can boost the fast development of this sector in China. At the end of July this year, it completed the Low Consumption Pavilion in Jinan, capital of Shandong. The 174-square-meter pavilion is separated into café, small conference rooms, and other function rooms. The external walls are insulated with 5-cm-thick polystyrene board, the windows are double-glazed, and the ceiling is dotted with all kinds of LED lights. All circulating systems, from the basic thermal system, to heating, cooling and generating systems, are solar-powered. In addition, solar energy can provide 6.08 kWh of electricity to meet living requirements.

BYD is engaged in high-tech research and development, production and marketing, and is also a showcase of Chinese auto-making. Ever since it started making cars in 2003, the development of new-energy vehicles has been a priority corporate aim. The BYD F3DM low-carbon edition released last March is the first dual-mode electric vehicle not to rely on professional charging stations. It has lower oil consumption and emissions whilst upping engine power and handling performance. The BYD e6 is designed especially for taxi use, using only 21.5 kWh per 100 km. Furthermore, the stable and strong electric output makes possible acceleration from 0-100 kmph in 10 seconds. The installed 3c charger drastically reduces charging time, so it takes only 15 minutes to reach 80 percent battery strength, which is enough for 300 km. The car's chemical parts are completely recyclable, posing no harm to the environment. BYD and Daimler-Benz reached an agreement last May to set up a joint venture to develop electric cars in China, and BYD will provide the core power battery technology.