Monday 8 November 2010

Huhne in China for energy talks

Energy Secretary Chris Huhne is in China today where he is expected to sign a number of bilateral deals on renewable energy technologies.

Mr Huhne is part of a delegation led by Prime Minister David Cameron which is attending the UK China Summit and Economic and Financial Dialogue.

Mr Huhne said: "My visit this week aims to ensure that China and the UK can build a strong partnership as we face common challenges together."

The environment is sure to be near the top of the agenda for talks between the two countries, as is potential business deals between the two countries.

Despite being an historic heavy polluter, China is making huge strides in renewable energy.

A report last month revealed that China's wind power capacity will increase more than five-fold in the next 10 years.

Greenpeace is watching China very closely. Recently, its chief scientist Doug Parr warned that "the Chinese will clean up in the UK if we hold back on renewable investment, especially wind".

And Yang Ailun of Greenpeace China said: "China is at a crossroads. It can choose between the dirty, dangerous world of coal and fossil fuels, or the new, clean future promised by wind. The answer is obvious."