(CRIENGLISH.com)
Updated: 2007-08-27 17:33

China plans to reform its power distribution network to save energy and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, said a source with the National Development and Reform Commission on August 27.

Current power distribution systems in China allocate equal power generation hours to every power plant on the grid. However, under the premise of ensuring stable power supply, the reform will give first priority to power generated with clean energy recourses like wind energy, solar energy and ocean energy.

For thermal power plants, the electricity generated is distributed based on levels of coal consumption. Plants with low consumption are relied upon more, while plants with high production levels should generating less electricity or none at all.

Officials with the National Development and Reform Commission said that the reform would first start in five provinces and municipalities in the south of China and incorporate the whole country by January of next year.

According to estimates, emission of 90 million tons of raw coal, along with 216 million tons of carbon dioxide and 2.2 million tons of sulfur dioxide, would be eliminated every year, starting in 2010.