A senior official says renewable energy is developing rapidly in China, with an annual growth rate of more than 25 percent, the highest in the world.

The Vice Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, Zhang Guobao, released these figures Monday during an APEC seminar on renewable energy in Beijing.

Zhang Guobao noted that China had consumed 65 million cubic meters of solar power for water heating, representing 40 percent of the world's total, by the end of 2004.

Meanwhile, some 11 million marsh gas pools have been built in rural areas across the country.

The official said that China is focusing on the development of water, nuclear, wind and biological power, so as to ensure that the environment is less adversely affected by energy exploitation.

He added that China has strengthened legal measures, including by enacting a Recyclable Energy Law, to promote sustainable economic and social development.

(CRI September 28, 2005)