Green power, which is partially or completely generated from renewable energy sources such as the wind and the sun, is gaining more attention around the world because of increasing concerns over the global environment, climate changes and control of carbon dioxide emission, said Yang Jike, vice chairman of the Committee of Population, Resources and Environment under the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

However, Yang said, the country's energy industry is still heavily reliant on coal, which releases enormous amounts of sulfur dioxide, soot and other pollutants that worsens air quality.

Yang sentiments were echoed by other energy experts attending the 21st Century Forum: Forestry and Environmental Protection, in Beijing, Xinhua news agency reported.

Tapping renewable energy should become a major goal in the development of the energy industry, said Huang Yicheng, president of the China Energy Research Society.

Beijing's successful bid for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games has further awakened environmental awareness among the public and enterprises, he said.

Yang said that green-energy pricing mechanisms are being set up in some European countries and the United States, which allow green-power customers to pay higher prices for clean consumption. The money is used to fund the develop-ment of renewable energy sources.

A national survey showed that nearly 95 percent of customers would be willing to pay more for green power.

Another survey of about 1,000 firms in Beijing also suggested that businesses are likely to become major consumers of green power.

(eastday.com 09/07/2001)