Beijing's energy-saving output to reach $82b

BEIJING - Total output value of Beijing's energy-saving and environmental industry will reach 500 billion yuan ($82 billion) in 2015, accounting for over 10 percent of the whole country, local authorities said on Friday.

Three Beijing commissions -- development and reform, science and technology, and economy and information technology -- jointly issued a development plan of the city's energy-saving and environmental industry (2013-2015).

In addition to generating 500 billion yuan in 2015, the added value of the industry will account for 4 percent of the city's GDP, according to the plan,

The plan said industry is expected to become a new pillar sector and engine of the Beijing economy.

The city will further boost demand in the energy-saving and environmental market and develop its green consumer market. It will also look to improve technological innovation in enterprises, according to the plan.

It also said that leading companies should compete with  internationally-known environmental enterprises. Also, small- and medium-sized companies should be encouraged to assist with the industry's development.