Austrade’s Business Club Australia, the official Australian business program of the Beijing Olympics, will stage a Clean Energy Mission during the Beijing Olympics.
The Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, said the Clean Energy Mission would provide a platform for Australia’s expertise in renewable energy to connect with the potential of the Chinese market.

    “The mission will raise the profile of Australia’s clean energy capabilities, promote Australian innovation, and connect Australian companies to key Chinese energy sector representatives and local customers. Australian companies will participate in business networking events, gaining valuable insights into doing business in China.
China is the 2nd largest energy consumer in the world and the Chinese government has mandated that by 2010 renewable energy must account for 10% of the nation’s total energy consumption, and 15% by 2020.

     “It is estimated this will require A$350 billion in investment to achieve these targets. Australia has the expertise to work with China and to become a world leader in zero and low emissions technologies,” said Mr Crean.
 “China is already our largest trading partner. With continuing economic growth, a dramatic rate of urbanisation, the challenges of climate change and rising energy demands, China is actively seeking solutions to improve sustainable practices.

    “Companies participating in the Clean Energy Mission will include a world leader in wind energy development, Roaring 40s from Tasmania, which has fast become the leading international wind energy developer in China.
“Roaring 40s is an excellent example of how climate change represents not just an environmental and economic challenge but also an opportunity to expand trade and create jobs,” Mr Crean said.

    Another participant in the mission is the University of New South Wales, a world leader in converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic solar cells. China is the world’s largest manufacturer of solar cells, and UNSW’s photovoltaic capabilities have helped it establish partnerships with key Chinese institutions working in renewable energy.

    Other participants in the Clean Energy Mission include Arrow Energy, a leading integrated energy company that develops coal bed methane fields throughout Australia and Asia; Indigo Technologies, which assists in reducing emissions from fossil fuel furnaces; Landfill Gas and Power Pty Ltd, a provider of renewable energy sourced from landfill waste; and Village Green Environmental Solutions Pty ltd, a leader in the field of emissions, water and waste auditing.

    “More than 3000 Australian and Chinese businesspeople are expected to attend events at Business Club Australia. Business Club Australia will use the resources of Austrade’s network of 15 offices in China to bring together Australians and key Chinese officials and businesspeople.

    “Since its inception at the Sydney Olympics, Business Club Australia has delivered more than A$1.7 billion in trade and investment outcomes for Australia.”