China plans African ventures

China is branching into clean energy Africa,

after investing $10 billion in Africa last year,

where its traditional targets have been oil, minerals and construction.

That will help feed China's burgeoning solar industry, led by JA Solar Holdings Co and Suntech Power Holdings Co, the world's largest makers of solar cells used in photovoltaic panels, which turn sunlight into electricity.

"China needs emerging markets to purchase their solar products, and Africa could be one of them," Sun said.

Schools Hospitals solar, $2 million per project

"This month, we'll begin investigating in Africa to determine a suitable project in each country, such as installing solar panels on the roofs of schools and hospitals." Each installation will cost about 10 million to 20 million yuan ($1.5 million to $3 million), Sun said

Developing renewable energy is one of eight measures that Premier Wen Jiabao proposed in 2009 to aid Africa. China plans to build

100 clean-energy projects for Africa

The export-value growth of Chinese photovoltaic products, primarily solar cells, will slow to about 60 percent this year, compared with a 107 percent increase last year, Sun said.

Monocrystalline cell prices declined 7.5 percent last month to $1.14 for each watt from April and multicrystalline cells were down 8.7 percent at $1.09 a watt, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

source: chinadaily.com.cn

Chinese solar panel producers at an energy trade show in

Johannesburg, South Africa. China plans to build 100 clean-energy projects on the African continent. [China Daily]