CHINA MAKING GREEN JOBS

China leads in global green jobs race
Gerard Wynn, 6 August 2009 (Reuters)

"China is winning a global race to create "green collar" jobs, six months after countries worldwide launched $500 billion spending plans to drive a low-carbon economy.

"Following the economic downturn, both the United States and Europe aim to spur jobs in a green push to fight climate change and boost energy security, but China may leapfrog both this year in new wind power -- a key measure…China passed the United States in numbers of new wind turbines built in the first half of 2009…and is also increasing its share of the main solar demand market, Europe…"

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"…Chinese development was helped by swifter centralised decision-making compared with its rivals…In wind power, local demand often means local jobs -- that's especially true in China where an unofficial rule says all installed turbines must include 70 percent local content…International companies' market share there is falling…

"Tough financing markets plus falling oil prices have dented clean energy prospects worldwide and created a glut of turbines and solar panels, with recovery expected from next year, aided by new stimulus programmes…

"In solar power, Germany will dominate demand this year…overtaking Spain following a cap on state support there…But Chinese manufacturers will continue to grab an increasing share of production despite a fall in prices…China accounted for about a third of the market for global solar cell production in 2008 while Europe's share declined to about a quarter…"

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"Last year Europe collectively installed 4.3 GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) power and 8.5 GW of wind, tipping the United States into second place in both…In new installed solar power, both Spain and Germany dwarfed the United States. New U.S. wind demand surpassed any individual European country…But the wind ranking may change -- China added about 4.5 GW in the first half of 2009…putting the country on track to pass the United States which installed 4 GW…

"HSBC forecast a drop in U.S and European demand this year…The Global Wind Energy Council expects China to take top spot in 2009…Two weeks ago China fixed the price for wind power using a so-called a feed-in tariff and a state-backed economic stimulus and credit loosening have boosted projects…The United States is likely to be China's chief rival in new wind power…overtaking Europe where some countries are hamstrung by planning delays…U.S. energy secretary Steven Chu said last week $3 billion in new renewables grants would boost green jobs…"