China's Key Energy Policy Institution Joins REEEP

Beijing, October 30, 2008

Today at the Global Wind Energy Conference in Beijing, the Energy Research Institute (ERI), a key division of National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), formally joined REEEP. NDRC is the main policy making body in China on energy, environment and climate change. The signing ceremony was attended by senior Chinese government officials from NDRC and the National Energy Agency (NEA) and also representatives from local diplomatic missions of key REEEP partner and donor countries - United Kingdom, Norway, Australia and Italy.

ERI is a national research organisation conducting comprehensive studies on China's energy issues. It is guided by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in many aspects of its research work. The work carried out by ERI forms the basis of Energy and Climate Change policy implemented in China by NDRC.

Speaking at the Global Wind Energy Conference, ERI Director-General Han Wenke stated "Joining an international partnership such as REEEP allows the Energy Efficiency Center and the Center for Renewable Energy Development (CRED) to further strengthen their ties to international experience. Experiences that can be of use here in China".

Mr. Li Junfeng, Secretary General of the Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association who is hosting the REEEP East Asia Regional Secretariat, indicated that ERI has been working closely with REEEP in China from both project and strategic sides. ERI's joining the REEEP will enhance the existing collaboration between REEEP and ERI, and bring multi-benefits to both parties as they share a common aim regarding the promotion and deployment of renewable and energy efficiency technology in China.

ERI's joining of an international clean energy partnership is an indication of the Chinese government's desire to accelerate energy conservation and renewable energy in the country. REEEP has been working in China since 2003, implementing sixteen projects focused on policies, regulations, finance and business issues. REEEP and CRED, one department of ERI focusing on policy research for renewable energy, worked a National Implementation Roadmap for Wind and a study on the potential for Biomass Co-firing in coal-fired power stations.

China intends to use REEEP as a vehicle to gain access to international experience and best practices on energy efficiency and renewable energy, in order to strengthen the significant efforts that China has already made in renewable energy and energy efficiency development.

REEEP announced plans to work with the Chinese government and industry associations to develop a report on Chinese Achievements in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. REEEP will also work together with ERI to support new policy measures that increase the role of sustainable energy in China's transition to a low carbon economy.

Dr. Marianne Osterkorn, REEEP International Director, stated "while China is becoming the world's leading economy, China is already the world leader in renewable energy and taking major steps towards energy efficiency. It is remarkable that China gives such importance to renewable and energy efficiency, and that they value their importance on the path to a lower carbon economy.