Aust. sends major energy trade mission to China

Minister to lead major renewable energy trade mission to China

Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, has announced he will lead Australia’s largest ever renewable energy and energy efficiency trade mission to China in October.

Speaking at the Business Council for Sustainable Energy annual conference in Brisbane today, Senator Campbell said the mission would help Australian renewable energy industry interests establish high-level contacts with business and government representatives in China.

“China presents a huge potential market for Australian renewable energy products and expertise, particularly in light of its booming economy and energy demand,” Senator Campbell said.

“Demand for energy in China is already enormous and is growing by 9.5 per cent every year. It is currently the world’s second largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions and those emissions are also growing by almost 3 per cent a year.

“This, combined with severe environmental pollution issues, means China is looking to the renewable sector to play a key role in meeting its future energy needs and is seeking Australian expertise in areas such as wind, biomass and solar energy.

“The time is right for Australian renewable energy businesses to explore and engage with this major market opportunity. Through initiatives such as this trade mission the Australian Government will be there to help them open the door.”

Senator Campbell said the need to effectively engage China in practical climate change action had long been a priority for the Australian Government.

“The strong relationship we have built with China under the Australia-China Climate Change Partnership is not only paying off in terms of government-to-government climate change cooperation, it is helping to provide new opportunities for industry.

“This relationship is being further consolidated through the work of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate.”

Senator Campbell said the development, deployment and transfer of low emissions technologies, including renewable energy technologies, was a key area of focus for future activities under both partnerships.

“A Ministerial-led trade mission to China will demonstrate the seriousness and extent of Australia’s interests and capabilities in this area, and will help Australian businesses gain access to this rapidly growing market.”

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