Irish renewable experts head to China

The Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Enterprise Board is putting together an eight-day trade mission that will take in an expo in Quingdao and a visit to Beijing.

Visiting China will give countries the opportunity to see how the country is confounding expectations and developing its renewable energy quickly.

China met its renewable target of producing five gigawatts of energy three years early and has now doubled its 2010 target to ten gigawatts.

It still only produces 0.6% of its energy through wind – more than the US 0.4% – but significantly less than Denmark which gets 20% of its electricity from wind.

China aims for 10% of all energy generation to be from renewable sources by 2010 and 15% by 2020.

The enterprise board chief executive Michael Johnson highlighted China’s rapid growth both economically and in terms of renewables and noted the possibilities for Irish companies.

He said: “Through this business-matching event, Irish companies will have the chance to identify and meet potential customers and suppliers, ensuring their own growth and success.

“It is a great opportunity for Irish companies to meet counterparts from China, the US and other European countries.”