US firm to build world's largest solar power plant in China

US-based First Solar will build the world’s largest solar power plant in Ordos city, Inner Mongolia, Bloomberg reported. When all four phases of the project are completed in 2019, the plant will cover 25 square kilometers and will produce 2,000 megawatts of energy. One megawatt can power 800 US homes. Currently, 80% of China’s energy comes from coal burning plants, but the government wants renewables to account for 15% of total energy consumption by 2020. The National Development and Reform Commission has said US$293 billion will be invested in alternative energy from 2006 to 2020. According to the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute, China may become the world’s largest user of renewable energy by 2010. Elsewhere, the EU called on Beijing to allow greater foreign participation in public procurement for alternative energy production. Foreign firms argue that they are unfairly excluded from projects in China.