By staff reporter Li Qiyan
 
(Caijing.com.cn) The National Energy Administration will soon submit a stimulus plan for the alternative energy sector for approval by the State Council and the National Development and Reform Commission.
 
At a news conference on June 1, Liu Qi, the energy agency's vice director, did not provide details of the plan other than to say that it covers wind power, solar power, and biomass as well as technological innovations on traditional sources, such as clean coal and biofuel.
 
The alternative energy sector is considered of strategic importance, Liu said. Its development can create jobs, boost consumption to combat the economic downturn, as well as slow global climate change and increase China's competitiveness in the world.
 
China, the world's second largest energy consumer after the United States, has been seeking to expand its use of alternative energy. It currently generates about 80 percent of its power from coal. The country is considering investing more than 3 trillion yuan to develop renewable energy by 2020, government officials have said.

The Ministry of Finance on May 21 said it will offer subsidies to promote the development of solar photovoltaic energy, support construction of large-scale wind power farms and expand pilot programs for alternative energy-fueled vehicles.
 
Meanwhile, owners of cars run on alternative energy will be eligible for subsidies in 13 cities including Beijing and Shanghai.
 
On the same day, the National Development and Reform Commission said it would provide subsidies to the manufacturers of 10 types of energy-efficient products, including air conditioners, refrigerators, flat panel TVs and washing machines.

Full article in Chinese: http://www.caijing.com.cn/2009-06-01/110174598.html