Shi Lishan, deputy director of the New Energy and Renewable Energy Department of the National Energy Bureau said at a recent seminar sponsored by the Chinese Renewable Energy Industry Association (CREIA) the government would put large-scale offshore wind power concession projects out to tender.
Shi would not elaborate on the timetable and exact sites in the concession project list but said, "We have formulated basic ideas and formalities for the tenders."
Han Wenke, director of the Energy Research Institute of National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said China had no choice but to vigorously develop renewable energy, including wind power.
He presented the argument like this: to reach the ambitious target of constructing a moderately prosperous society in 2020 and become a medium developed country level in 2050, China must boost its economy and naturally consume more energy.
China relies on coal for about 70% of its energy. The government expects to increase non fossil-based energy sources to 15% of total energy consumption by 2020, with wind power playing a major role. At present, fossil-based energy sources supply 87% of the country’s total energy consumption.
People’s Daily Online reported that on Jan. 23, 2010, China’s National Energy Bureau (NEB) and State Oceanic Administration (SOA) jointly put into effect an Interim Measure on the Management of Offshore Wind Farm Development. Regulating every aspect of offshore wind farm development, the 38-article document is widely seen as a boost for offshore wind farms across the country.