The central government recently earmarked 115.9 million yuan (US$18.4 million) for Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region's projects on energy efficiency, recycling economy, resource conservation and industrial pollution control, according to the region's Development and Reform Commission.

The fund is scheduled to finance the energy-efficient programs for the Ningxia-based Xingping Fine Chemical Company, Shunbao Modern Agriculture Company and 16 other local companies.