Canadian Solar to build 500 MW project in China
INNER MONGOLIA, CHINA - Chinese solar-cell maker Canadian Solar Inc said it obtained development rights for a 500 megawatt (MW) solar power plant system in China.
The news makes Canadian Solar the latest Chinese solar manufacturer to unveil plans for a large solar power project in China since the country last month launched a long-awaited plan to offer subsidies for the industry.
As the world's top greenhouse gas polluter, China is trying to catch up in a global race to find alternatives to fossil fuels, and many believe it will become a major market for solar power.
Since China announced its subsidy plan, domestic solar power companies including LDK Solar Co Ltd, Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd, and ReneSola Ltd have announced plans to develop big solar power plants in China.
Canadian Solar said it signed a letter of intent with the administration committee of the Baotou National Rare Earth Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (CPT).
The plant will be located in CPT, which is in Inner Mongolia, and the project will be divided into three phases, Canadian Solar said.
A total of 100 MW of the photovoltaic system will be installed in the first phase, which will run from September 2009 to December 2011. About 200 MW each will be installed in the second and third phases, the company said.
The project is subject to a feasibility study and government approvals, the company said.
Related News
Ontario hydro rates set to increase Nov. 1, Ontario Energy Board says
TORONTO - The Ontario Energy Board says hydro rates for households and small businesses will be going up starting next week.
The agency says rates are scheduled to increased by about $1.99 or 1.8 per cent for a typical residential customer who uses 700 kilowatt hours per month.
The provincial government said in March it would continue to subsidize hydro rates and hold any increases to the rate of inflation.
The OEB says the new rates, which the board says are “in line” with inflation, will take effect Nov. 1 and could be noticed on bills within a few weeks of that date.
Prices…
