The Chinese Academy of Sciences inaugurated Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy (DNL) on Monday at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics in Liaoning province.

"As China's first national energy lab, DNL will integrate our top scientists to lead research and boost the development of clean energy," said Li Jinghai, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

The lab, established by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the CAS, is expected to master leading-edge technologies, promote the transformation of scientific and technological results, and enhance cooperation with energy companies and research institutions both at home and abroad.

Eleven divisions were established at DNL for research into clean fossil energy utilization, clean energy technology, and renewable energy, according to Li Can, director of the laboratory and Vice Director of Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics.

A scientific committee with more than 20 academicians of the CAS was established for the newly-built lab. It is also inviting scientists from other countries such as the USA, UK, and Denmark to form an international advisory committee.

Jean-Pierre Gilson, a professor dealing with zeolites in France, works as a deputy director of the lab. He will not only lead a research group but also help promote international collaboration.

"The lab helps concentrate people in one place and solve complex problems," said Gilson. "Every country has its own strengths and limitations. Big problems, such as food, water and energy can not be handled well without global cooperation."

Some companies, including China National Petroleum Corporation and British Petroleum, are cooperating with the lab for clean energy research.

Zhang Jiyao, General Manager of Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum (Group) Co Ltd which set up a joint lab with DNL, said they are cooperating in the sufficient utilization of clean energy and the transformation of advanced technologies.

"China is rich in coal, poor in oil, and lacks gas. The structural problems on energy will not be changed in the short term. We have no other choice but high-efficiency utilization of energies to reach sustainable development," he said.

"The research institution can help our company utilize our energy resources more efficiently. Two of our projects are alredy utilizing the technologies of Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics," said Zhang.