The discussion of global warming and the greatest contributors to it always involves China. While the United States remained the greatest greenhouse emitter for years, China overtook the United States years ago and has steadily increased their emissions. In order to reduce their emissions and their dependence on foreign fuels, China is becoming a world leader in renewable energy.
Four months ago China announced a deal made between them and the U.S. company First Solar, which is the largest solar panel producer in the United States. That deal entailed building the world’s largest solar farm in China, which is still in the works. Now another United States-based company is collaborating with China to build more solar equipment.
The company eSolar Inc. has agreed to assist Shandong Penglai Electric Power Equipment Manufacturing Co. in producing multiple solar thermal power plants. eSolar Inc.is expected to give the company the information and technology required for such a venture. In total, a $5 billion investment has been made into the project. However, neither side has said how the money has be delineated.
Solar thermal power plants consist of focusing mirrors in order to heat water. This water then turns to steam and subsequently powers a generator. Those involved in the solar field believe that both solar thermal plants and solar farms are essential to the industry. The intended capacity of the thermal plants in China is 2,000 megawatts.
The plan is to open the first solar thermal power plant in Yulin City, which is in the province of Shaanxi. The power plants are intended to assist China in meeting their current goal of 15 percent of energy coming from renewable sources by the year 2020. China believes they may increase this to 20 percent due to the success they have had thus far with renewable energy projects.
