China's Himin Solar plans A-share IPO in 2010

BEIJING, March 3 (Reuters) - Himin Solar Energy Group, China's top maker of solar water heaters, plans an initial public offering of mainland-listed A shares next year, its president, Huang Ming, said on Tuesday.

The company may also consider an overseas listing, Huang told Reuters ahead of the start of the country's annual parliament meeting.

Huang had said in the spring of last year that the company planned to list domestically in 2008 or 2009, although in comments in December on the company's IPO plans he declined to give a timetable.

He said on Tuesday that the company would invest more than 1 billion yuan ($146 million) this year and estimated that its production capacity would double by the year-end.

The company also foresaw a more than 40 percent rise in sales this year, compared with less than 30 percent growth last year, he said.

Himin Solar announced in December that it had secured a nearly $100 million investment from Goldman Sachs (GS.N) and China's CDH Ventures. ($1=6.843 Yuan)

Goldman Sachs, CDH invest nearly 100 mln usd in China's Himin Solar

12.12.08

BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - Goldman Sachs and CDH Investment have jointly invested nearly 100 mln usd in Himin Solar Energy Group, based in eastern China's Shandong province, the three parties said.

Huang Ming, chairman of Himin, said at a media briefing that the funds would be used to help fuel the company's growth and finance research and development.

The deal was initially announced in early 2008, but was delayed due to the financial crisis, said Huang.

Himin will seek to float A-shares, Huang told reporters.

'The timing of a listing is not entirely up to us,' he said, adding that some 300 companies are in the queue for regulatory approval.

Huang declined to disclose the stake that Goldman Sachs and CDH have secured.

A source close to the matter told XFN-Asia that the stake is around 15 pct.

'Goldman Sachs and CDH will continue to fund Himin Solar if Himin continues to expand,' Goldman Sachs (Asia) managing director Zhang Yi said at the briefing.

Himin, China's top maker of solar water heaters, plans to set up marketing and logistics centers in Xi'an, Wuhan and Hangzhou. The company has a major R&D center in Qingdao.

The company is seeking to expand its market by 50 to 100 pct next year.

Haier releases new solar-powered heaters to the Jordanian market

Monday, September 29 - 2008

Haier, the world's fourth largest producer of white goods (home appliances) announced recently the arrival of new solar-powered heaters and water heaters from its headquarters in China.

These new solar-powered heaters come with a unique wired control feature, allowing users to control water temperature and water levels, in order to ensure that water temperatures do not rise to levels that are unsuitable for human use.

This feature also helps avoid leakages and allows for constant monitoring of heating functions.

The heaters also come with a variety of high-end features that maximize usability and efficiency.

'Haier has utilized the latest in new-generation solar-power technology in the design and manufacturing of these heaters, and this is to ensure that customers' needs are met with ease,' said Reham Ghaboun, Haier's Marketing Manager.

'Our primary objective is to provide citizens with an efficient, cost-saving and energy-saving heating system, particularly with the recent hike in the prices of fuel and electricity, and a heating system that follows safety guidelines and preserves the environment.'

It is worth noting that Haier had provided the Olympics Committee in Beijing with its latest solar-powered heaters and garnered two quality-assurance and public safety certificates.

China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions, Inc. Wins Bid on China's Largest Solar Water-Heating Housing Project

BEIJING, Sept. 25 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- China Solar & Clean Solutions Energy, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CSOL) ("CSOL"), a premier manufacturer and distributor of solar water heaters, renewable energy solutions, and space heating devices in the People's Republic of China, announced it has signed a contract to be the sole supplier of solar water-heating systems to the Overseas Chinese Village in Shenzhen City (the"Village"). The contract was awarded on July 1, 2008 to CSOL's subsidiary, Shenzhen Peng Sang Pu Solar Energy Company.

The Overseas Chinese Village is a residential community for overseas Chinese in Shenzhen. It spans over 125 acres and contains a total of 22 high-rise buildings. The Village is believed to be the largest residential project in China to rely completely on solar-heated water. CSOL will be supplying and installing its state-of-the-art solar water-heating systems throughout the residential area. The contract is valued at approximately $3.5 million.

"We are very pleased to have won this contract," commented Du Deli, the CEO of China Solar & Clean Solutions Energy, Inc. "Despite bids from numerous competitors, we won the contract due to our strong reputation among Chinese solar energy experts. Our experience in China's solar water-heating market, as well as our tireless efforts to develop solar energy technology and new products, has earned us the reputation of being China's highest quality producer of solar energy systems. We will continue to pursue similar projects and expect to win more bids in the future."

About China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions, Inc.

China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions, Inc. operates through its wholly owned subsidiaries Bazhou Deli Solar Energy Heating Co. Ltd. ("Deli Solar(Bazhou)"), Beijing Deli Solar Technology Development Co., Ltd. and its 51% ownership in Tianjin Huaneng Group, all located in the PRC. The Company manufactures and distributes hot water and space heating devices to customers in the PRC, in addition to waste heat recovery systems. For more information, please visit http://www.cn-sce.com .

Solar application design is a must for all the new buildings in Kunming

In order to make Kunming the solar energy city, Kunming government requires all the new buildings to support solar applications, and encourages the residents to install solar water heaters.

Shandong, Jiangsu and other governments also encourage people to install solar water heater to save energy and protect environment. At present China is the biggest solar water heater market, and 60% solar water heaters are installed in China.

Linuo Paradigma Exports Solar Water Heater Production Line to Cuba

March 27 2008 Linuo Paradigma signed the solar water heater production line export agreement with Cuba client.

It is the first time for Chinese solar water heater manufacturer to export the production line, and Linuo Paradigma will offer the full training service also.

At present there are several thousands of solar water heater manufacturers in China, most of the manufacturers do not have advanced production technologies, and their solar water heaters are very cheap, and the quality is not good at all.

Many solar water heater manufacturers are trying to sell their products abroad, but they are not good at international marketing, and many companies just OEM their products to international clients. There is a long way for Chinese solar water heater manufacturers to build international brand and get widely recognized in international market.

China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions, Inc. Raises $11 Million in Private Placement

LOS ANGELES and BEIJING, Feb. 26 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: CSOL) (the "Company"), a premier manufacturer and distributor of solar water heaters, space heating devices and renewable energy solutions in the People's Republic of China (the "PRC"), today announced that it has entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain institutional investors pursuant to which China Solar agreed to issue and sell up to 4.7 million shares of common stock at a purchase price of $2.40 per share, for gross proceeds of up to US$11 million.

The net proceeds of the offering will be utilized to complete the acquisition of Shenzhen PengSangPu, for general working capital, and future acquisitions.

Mr. Deli Du, President and CEO of China Solar said, "We are very pleased to have completed this financing which provides us with additional capital to help fund our future growth, including our recently announced acquisition of Shenzhen PengSangPu. We are also quite pleased with the quality of the institutional investors that participated in our private placement and their confidence in our ability to carry out our strategic vision and become the leading Clean Tech energy solution provider in China."

For more detailed information on the financing referred to in this release, reference is made to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K and related exhibits thereto being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof.

The common stock issued in the private placement has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be subsequently offered or sold by the investors in the United States, except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. China Solar has agreed to file a registration statement covering the resale by the investors of the common stock issued in the private placement within 45 days of the closing date.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

About China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions, Inc.

China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions, Inc. operates through its wholly owned subsidiaries Bazhou Deli Solar Heating Energy Co. Ltd., Beijing Deli Solar Technology Development Co., Ltd. and its 51% ownership in Tianjin Huaneng Energy Equipment Company, all of which are located in the PRC. The Company manufactures and distributes hot water and space heating devices to customers in the PRC, in addition to waste heat recovery systems. For more information, please visit http://www.cn-cse.com/ .

Himin Solar Energy Gains USD 100 million Foreign Investment

Monday, January 14, 2008; Posted: 07:16 AM

DEZHOU, Jan 14, 2008 (SinoCast via COMTEX) -- Shandong Himin Solar Energy Group Co, Ltd. is to speed up its IPO with the help of international investment companies.

The private solar water heater and vacuum tube producer signed a letter of intent with Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS), and CDH Investments on January 10, 2008, according to which its two partners will first inject USD 100 million into the company.

They will sign a formal agreement in Beijing before long.

As to the stake the foreign investors are to hold in Himin Solar Energy, its board chairman Huang Ming previously hoped it would reach about more than 20%.

Himin Solar Energy started its preparations for listing several years ago, first targeted the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, then changed to A-share markets, because its products are oriented to domestic customers, it can gain higher price-to-earnings ratio as well as reputation in Mainland China.

Its sales surged 50% year on year and net profits more than doubled in 2006.

Top Solar Water Heater Manufacturers in China 08-01

China is the biggest solar water heater producer and consumer in the world. And there are several thousands of solar water heater manufacturers in China.

Recently some friends asked me to recommend some top solar water heater manufacturers to them, and let me share the list with all of you here. Please see their website below:

www.himin.com
www.thsolar.com
www.huayangsolar.com
www.tianpu.com
www.linuo-paradigma.com
www.ecoosolar.com
www.sangle.com
www.huihuang.com.cn
www.lygtyy.com
www.sunshore.cn
www.beijingsunpu.com.cn
www.sijimicoe.com

If you want to know more about the Chinese solar water heater manufacturers, please feel free to contact me at solar-in-china@hotmail.com

Himin solar water heater works in South Pole

China South Pole Scientific Reconnaissance Team took Himin solar water heater to South Pole, and the solar water heater adopts UTLE technology, and it works well in South Pole.

Himin has begun to commercially produce the solar water heater with UTLE tube.

China solar power firm sees 25 percent growth

By Emma Graham-Harrison

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's top maker of solar water heaters, Himin Solar Energy Group, expects earnings to grow 25 percent to around 2.5 billion yuan ($333.2 million) this year, but said raw material costs and a lack of government support are denting profits.

The solar heaters are the only form of renewable energy competitive in China without any subsidies, and have edged out gas and electric-powered heaters to take around 20 percent of the urban market, Himin's President Huang Ming, told the Reuters Global Environment Summit on Wednesday.

China already accounts for over three-quarters of world output of the systems which use the sun's energy to heat water for daily use, rather than to generate electricity as better known photovoltaic (PV) cells do.

Beijing has pledged to get 15 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 and aims to more than triple the amount of installed solar water heating capacity by the same date, to reach 300 million square meters, from just 80 million in 2005.

Production this year is up 25 percent, and could continue to grow at that rate for the next five years, with more backing from Beijing, Huang said.

"The market is still growing and I think the government is going to bring out more (supportive) policies," he said.

But the company founder, who began his career as an oil engineer before deciding renewables had more future, said the government is not yet doing enough, particularly in cities.

It is expensive and challenging to install the heaters on the higher buildings now springing up in wealthier areas, and some developers are also resisting buying the systems of roof-top pipes and tanks on aesthetic grounds, he added.

So the firm is targeting bigger users like hospitals, schools and hotels, which rarely consider solar water heating -- and also expects rural buyers to account for a bigger share of earnings as their incomes rise.

At present, only 10 percent of sales are in rural areas, but in five years, that is likely to rise to around 30 percent.

"They need hot water not only for living, but also for rearing livestock. It is particularly needed with cows," he said.

LOW QUALITY RIVALS

Despite the rise in sales, profits for 2007 are expected to be stable with last year at around 200 million yuan, in part because of the rising price of stainless steel and copper.

Huang estimates his company has around 15 percent of a very fragmented market, which they aim to increase to 20 percent within five years.

There are 3,000 to 4,000 firms in the sector because entry costs are low, some using such poor quality designs that their raw material costs are up to 80 percent below Himin's.

"The government should improve standards to guarantee quality, and improve supervision" Huang said. "If people buy low quality machines they break more easily, so people are more likely to complain, start saying that solar power is no good."

The company also produces a small amount of solar-panel powered goods, mostly lights, which account for around five percent of turnover and are particularly attractive for parks and remote areas as they require no underground cabling, he said.

LISTING, EXPORT PLANS

Himin plans to list on the Chinese stock exchange within 2 to 3 years, Huang said, and is currently in talks with potential investors which it hopes to wrap up in the next six months.
Almost all their sales are currently into the Chinese market, and although Huang is interested in foreign sales, he said Himin plans to go abroad only after researching markets where a different type of system -- based on flat panels -- dominates, and preparing a sales and support system.
"Its a matter of 5 years or so...we need strong technology but also a good grasp of language and culture," he said.

"I want it to be perfect, I don't want people to say China can't even make hot water heaters," he added.

At present they are focusing research efforts on perfecting systems that can be used on the balconies or walls of high-rise buildings, although they do have some on the market already, and bringing down the cost of all their models.

"It may be over-ambitious, but we would like to try and push gas and electric powered heaters out of the market in 10 to 15 years...we invite them to produce solar heaters instead," he said with a grin.

China supplies 80% of solar water heaters worldwide

Source: CCTV.com
09-26-2007 13:17

China's solar water heater industry supplies 80 percent of the world's market.

China is home to 80 per cent of the world's solar heated water, producing around 80 million cubic metres of solar hot water a year.

Huang Ming is the head of one of the largest businesses, supplying 15 per cent of China's solar hot water units and he plans to expand.

Huang Ming, President of Huang Ming Solar Energy Group said "The model China uses to popularise solar energy is not only suitable for developing countries but also for developed countries. Even without much support or subsidiary from the government, China's solar energy industry has flourished and now amounts for over 70 per cent of the world's industry."

China is now the world's second largest investor into renewable energy.

The growing interest and investment in green energy makes it a lucrative enterprise for Chinese entrepreneurs.

Dr. Eric Martinot of the BP Institute believes that it won't be long before one of these entrepreneurs brings these low cost units onto international market.

Eric said "They haven't really started yet, their domestic market is so large that it is really not necessary. But at some point, someone here, maybe one of the larger firms is going to recognise the profit potential for export and at that point European manufacturers, U.S. manufacturers will certainly have to start worrying."

In China, solar heated water is a bargain. A unit costs roughly 530 U.S. dollars, the cost of 4 years heating bills. After that the household enjoys free hot water.

Editor:Xiong Qu

Renewable energy accounts for 8% of total consumed energy last year

16:46, September 20, 2007


By the end of 2006, China's renewable energy utilization amounted to 200 million tons of standard coal (excluding the traditional use of bioenergy), accounting for 8% of total energy consumption in China – 0.5 percentage points higher than that of 2005. This was revealed at the 2007 World Solar-energy Conference held in Beijing.

Director of China's Renewable Energy Academy, Shi Dinghuan, who is also a consult for the State Council, made a speech on China's renewable energy development at the conference.

He pointed out that the Chinese government has paid great attention to the development and utilization of renewable energy by issuing the Renewable Energy Law; and making a medium and long term development plan on renewable energy.

Small-scale hydro-power plants, wind power, biomass energy, solar energy and geothermal energy are all developing rapidly; while research and application in the field have also developed considerably over the past ten years. In particular, small-scale hydro-power, solar energy, and methane utilization are all leading technologies in the world; they have laid a solid foundation for large scale utilization of renewable energy. The solar energy heater is the earliest industrial project in China. By the end of 2006, China's solar energy heaters grew to a scale of 90 million square meters, accounting for 75.8% of the world's total holding.

According to China's medium and long term development plan on renewable energy, by 2020 China's renewable energy will account for 16% of total energy consumption.

By People's Daily Online

Report: China to increase solar water heater coverage by 50% by 2010

www.chinaview.cn 2007-09-20 23:09:09

BEIJING, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- The coverage of solar water heating systems in operation in China will reach 150 million square meters in 2010, an increase of 50 percent from the current level, a report from the country's top planning authority predicted.

The Energy Research Institute (ERI) of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) submitted a report on "Renewable Energy Markets And Policies In China" to the on-going "Solar World Congress 2007" here on Thursday.

China accounts for more than half of the world's solar-heated water consumption as well as for half of the world's annual output of solar water heating systems, the report said.

By 2006, the coverage of solar water heaters in operation in China hit 100 million square meters, benefiting about 200 million people. The annual production capacity has reached 20 million square meters in 2006, up 20 percent on the previous year, according to the report.

The report also noted that, except for solar water heaters, solar-powered appliances are developing in China, including solar energy heating and cooling devices, solar energy air-conditioner systems and seawater desalination systems.

The ERI's deputy head Li Junfeng said China would continue to promote and popularize the integration of solar energy equipment into the design and construction of houses. Solar water heaters will also enter more households in the country's rural areas and towns.

"By utilizing solar energy, China can save more than 50 million tons of coal in 2010," Li estimated.

The NDRC's vice minister Chen Deming said earlier this year that China will soon promulgate policies to stipulate compulsory installation of solar energy equipment in the construction sector.

It is the first time the International Solar Energy Society's Solar World Congress has been held in China since it was initiated more than two decades ago.

2008 Beijing Olympic Games To Widely Use Solar Energy

BEIJING, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Solar power will be widely applied during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, China's Xinhua news agency reported Thursday quoting a senior government official as saying.

Li Zhonghai, senior official with the China Association for Standardization said about 90 percent of all the hot water used in the Olympic village will be solar heated, and 80 to 90 percent of street lights around the Olympic venues will also be solar powered.

Li, who is also the member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) said about 40 million Chinese households, or 150 million Chinese people, now use solar energy in their daily lives.

According to the People's Daily, China is the world's biggest user of solar water heating.

Following the implementation of the Renewable Energy Law in 2006, China's solar heating market is valued at tens of billions of yuan and has provided hundreds of thousand jobs, said the newspaper.

Energy: China becomes the world's largest solar power market

(CRIENGLISH.com)
Updated: 2007-08-27 16:49

With the rapid development of the solar power industry, China has become the world largest consumer of solar energy, industry experts say.

Statistics show that China currently tops the world in production and retention of solar energy, it is also the largest producer of solar water heaters and a major consumer. The country is turning into the world largest market for solar energy.

In the coming September, China will see the opening of the 2007 Solar Word Congress in Beijing, which is the first time to be held in the country. So far, experts from over 50 countries have confirmed their attendance.

Deli Solar (USA), Inc. Announces Record Second Quarter 2007 Financial Results

LOS ANGELES and BEIJING, Aug. 13 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Deli Solar (USA), Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: DLSL), an established significant seller of solar water heaters and space heating devices in the People's Republic of China (the "PRC"), announced its results for the second quarter which ended June 30, 2007.

Sales for the second quarter of 2007 increased 33% to $9.4 million compared to $7.1 million for the same quarter in 2006. Revenues were comprised of over 63,000 solar water heaters and 37,000 boilers sold during the quarter. Gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2007 was $1.9 million, an increase of approximately 30% from the second quarter of 2006. Gross margins were 20.5% to 21.1% for the second quarter of 2007 and 2006 respectively.

Operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2007 decreased 4% to $1.1 million compared to the same period in 2006 and a result of prudent management of general and administrative expenses despite a 32% increase in advertising expenses focused on gaining market share.

Operating income for the second quarter of 2007 totaled $0.8 million compared to $0.3 million for the same period in 2006, representing a 163% increase. Net income for the 2007 second quarter increased 113% to $0.6 million, representing earnings per share of $.10, from $0.3 million in net income, or $.04 per share during the second quarter of 2006. Calculations were based upon 6.6 million and 8 million shares outstanding respectively.

"Revenue growth was driven by higher unit sales of solar water heaters and residential boilers which benefited from continued investment in brand marketing, sales promotions and further expansion of our sales distribution network," commented Mr. Deli Du, President and Chief Executive Officer. ''While margins were slightly impacted by competition and pricing pressure, our ability to prudently manage raw material and organizational costs enabled us to dramatically increase operating profitability. In addition, we made further progress installing our new flat plate collector production and water assembly line, which we expect to be fully operational during September 2007. We expect this to enhance our production efficiencies and improve the quality of our products while contributing a positive impact on future operating margins,'' continued Mr. Du.

Six Month Results

Sales increased approximately 32% to $12.4 million for six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared to $9.4 million for the same period last year resulting from continued investment in brand marketing, sales promotion and development of a sales distribution network. Operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were $1.6 million as compared to $1.5 million for the same period in 2006, an increase of 4%. Operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2007 was $1.1 million, increased 109% as compared to $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Net income was $0.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared with $0.5 million in the same period last year, an increase of $0.4 million, or approximately 84%. This equated to earnings of $.14 per share compared to $.06 per share for the first six months of 2006 based on 6.4 million and 8 million fully diluted shares respectively.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Discussion

The Company reported $5.7 million in cash and equivalents on June 30, 2007, a current ratio of 12.3 to 1 and was debt free. The Company completed a $2.5 million financing in June 2007. Net cash flow from operations was $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, a slight increase from the same year ago period. In addition, the Company incurred approximately $0.4 million in capital expenditures on new facilities and assembly lines at its Bazhou factory during the first six months of 2007.

"We continue to make further progress on our acquisition strategy as we signed a purchase agreement on May 18, 2007 to buy 51% of Tianjin Huaneng Energy Equipment Company, which manufactures energy saving boilers and environmental protection equipment for industrial customers. As part of the acquisition we paid approximately $1.6 million in July 2007 with approximately $100,000 balance due and a separate finders' fee. We also agreed to invest approximately $2.5 million into the new company to expand production capabilities and operations. With an effective accounting date of July 1, 2007, we anticipate this purchase will contribute to both revenues and profitability during the balance of this year. Separately, we continue to pursue the purchase of a 60% equity stake in Shenzhen Xiongri Solar Power Co., Ltd., which provides solar water heaters for commercial customers and multi-family developers throughout Shenzhen,'' Mr. Du concluded.

About Deli Solar (USA), Inc.

Deli Solar (USA) Inc. operates through its wholly owned subsidiaries Bazhou Deli Solar Energy Heating Co. Ltd. ("Deli Solar (Bazhou)") and Beijing Deli Solar Technology Development Co., Ltd. ("Deli Solar (Beijing)"), both located in the PRC. The Company sells and distributes hot water and space heating devices to customers in the PRC. For more information, please visit http://www.delisolar.com .

Mainstreaming Clean Energy in Rizhao, China

On June 15, the city of Rizhao, China, received a 2007 World Clean Energy Award (WCEA) in the category of "Policy and Lawmaking" for its popularization of clean energy. The award’s presenters noted that in a nation known for its heavy dependence on coal, Rizhao represents an inspiring example of the mainstreaming of renewable energy sources. Large-scale solar power and marsh gas applications in the city directly benefit more than 1.5 million residents, dramatically reducing their yearly energy costs while providing other environmental and health benefits.

Policy and lawmaking by Rizhao's local administration have been instrumental in bringing about the city's energy revolution. Since his appointment in 2001, Mayor Lizhaoqian and the Rizhao Municipal Government have adopted several measures and policies aimed at popularizing clean energy technology, including the Regulations on Implementing Solar Energy and Construction Integration that standardize the use of solar energy--particularly solar water heaters--in new buildings. Building examiners must approve all construction procedures before the buildings are sanctioned, and any blueprints that lack built-in solar water heaters will fail to pass final approval.

Solar water heaters are currently installed in 99 percent of all buildings in Rizhao's urban area, and in more than 30 percent of residences in rural areas. Additionally, more than 6,000 families in Rizhao use solar cookers in their kitchens. During the fallow months, a transparent, biodegradable film is used to cover approximately 470 million square meters of the city's farmland to allow for an increase in the land temperature and faster maturation of crops in the spring. The city is also home to more than 560,000 square meters of solar photovoltaic panels, which have effectively reduced conventional electricity usage by 348 million kilowatthours per year.

More than 15,000 residential units in Rizhao use technologies that allow them to generate marsh gas from agricultural waste water, with the units capable of generating up to 230,000 cubic meters daily. Currently, the city's annual marsh gas production is 4.5 million cubic meters, which replaces the use of some 3,100 tons of coal annually. Installed marsh gas power generators have a total production capacity of 13,500 kilowatthours, which would reduce the use of coal this year by 36,000 tons.

Mayor Lizhaoqian and his team note that one of the key challenges for China is finding solutions to develop and rapidly scale up the use of sustainable, clean energy. Speaking of China's economic advancement, he articulated that, "to maintain a high growth rate of the economy, restriction by energy and environment is nowadays an inevitable problem in China. Therefore, it has been an important task during the economic and social development in China to search for new energies, develop energy efficiency technologies, reduce environmental pollution, and build a resource-saving society."

According to the WCEA presenters, Rizhao's many achievements highlight the great potential for government policy and legislation to achieve major changes in the energy sector in a relatively short period of time. Upon receiving the award, Mayor Lizhaoqian said it was "a great honor and encouragement for our work.... Winning the award enhances our confidence and determination to make more efforts on clean energy, and it will have significant and long-term influence on the popularization and utilization of clean energy in our city." He noted that his administration will continue to explore new approaches to popularize and utilize clean energy, in an effort to build Rizhao into "an eco-city featuring energy efficiency, sound ecology, and a beautiful environment."

Chinese Solar Water Heater Says Bye-bye to Freon

Chinese government's freon free policy requires the companies in China stop producing household appliances with freon from July 1st, 2007, and stop selling, importing and exporting household appliances with freon from September 1st, 2007.

At present there are over 3,000 solar water heater manufacturers in China, and at present only 19 manufacturers have got the environment protection certification. The small manufacturers are facing the technology crisis, if they cannot update their production technoloy to meet the regulation, they have to leave the market.

Yangzhou Sunleada introduced the first vacuum insulation solar water heater

Yangzhou Sunleada Co., Ltd. produced the first vacuum insulation solar water heater in the world, the new solar water heater adopts the advanced space heat preservation technology to replace the traditional polyurethane foam insulation technology.