Inner Mongolia Wind Power Project

This project supports the construction of 36 wind turbines, with a total generating capacity of 30.6 MW, at the Saihanba Windfarm. The site takes advantage of an abundant wind resource and helps China to overcome its overwhelming reliance on coal for electricity generation. 80% of electricity comes from coal, with a new power station constructed every week. Wind power provides a cleaner alternative, generating none of the CO2 and other atmospheric pollution associated with coal power plants.

This windfarm will accelerate the commercialisation of grid connected renewable energy technologies; an important objective of the Chinese Government. It will also create local employment opportunities during the assembly and installation of the turbines, and the operation.

The project will be certified to the Voluntary Carbon Standard, a global verification protocol. As part of this, the project will be validated and the emission reductions verified by an organisation accredited by the UNFCCC, the body that oversees the Kyoto Protocol.

Compared to coal power plants, windfarms do not represent the least costly power generation alternative and do not produce an attractive rate of return for potential investors. Through the sale of carbon credits, this project is provided with additional funds and thus becomes financially viable. Such incentives can play an important part in steering China towards a cleaner development path.