China pushes solar, wind power development

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http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/environment/2009-11-17-chinasolar17_CV_N.htm

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The world's solar companies gathered here recently amid the nation's largest solar market under a brilliant sun – and the looming shadow of China.

China leads the world in making solar cells, the key component in solar panels, many of which are exported to the U.S.

But China is setting itself up to do more than just manufacture components for renewable energy, such as wind and solar. It's also spending heavily to build its own domestic market as it attempts to battle its greenhouse gas emissions, electrify its nation of 1.3 billion people and curb its massive pollution problem.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2009-11-16-suntech_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

Solar panel maker Suntech plans Phoenix-area plant

PHOENIX — Gov. Jan Brewer on Monday announced plans for a Chinese-owned solar panel maker to build its U.S. headquarters and a manufacturing plant in the Phoenix area, propelling one of the nation's sunniest states toward a more global presence in the renewable energy industry.

Suntech Power Holdings (STP) said it expects to start building photovoltaic panels at the facility by the third quarter of 2010. The company, which has more than 9,000 employees, expects to eventually employ 250 or more people at the plant.

Suntech said it selected the Phoenix area because of Arizona's leadership in solar research through Arizona State University and statewide renewable energy policies. The company plans to decide on the precise location of the plant in the coming weeks.

The first phase of Suntech's 100,000-square-foot facility will bring a $13 million investment and 125 jobs, the governor said. If the company's investment grows to at least $25 million, it will qualify for property tax reductions as part of the state's Renewable Energy Tax Incentive program.

[pampango]

1. Hope the article is accurate about China's desire to "spending heavily to build its own

domestic market (for renewable energy) as it attempts to battle its greenhouse gas emissions, electrify its nation of 1.3 billion people and curb its massive pollution problem."