Nation's top tech zone stresses green industry

Zhongguancun, China's first high-tech development zone, is heeding the central government's call to build a green, sustainable economy by highlighting enterprises specializing in energy conservation and environmental protection.

Located in Beijing's Haidian district, Zhongguancun is home to more than 1,300 enterprises engaged in industries related to alternative energy and energy conservation, according to the latest statistics, released in 2011.

Xu Yun, head of the Zhongguancun International Environment Industry Promotion Center, said the area is now accelerating the pace at which it is developing these strategic green industries.

In 2011, revenue from the area's enterprises in the fields of alternative energy and energy conservation totaled 207.5 billion yuan ($33.28), up 114.38 percent from the previous year. The revenue accounts for about 8 percent of the country's total in these industries.

In recent years, the area's growth rate for these industries has remained at more than 18 percent, Xu said.

Industrial energy conservation, sewage treatment, air purification solutions and related environmental services are the leading sectors among the area's green industries.

These fields have developed so rapidly largely due to general guidance and financial support from the national and local governments, Xu said.

Energy conservation and environmental protection have been listed among China's strategic emerging industries together with several others, including new materials, biology, advanced equipment manufacturing and alternative energy automobiles.

Meanwhile, the Beijing government has also prioritized green industries as a new source of economic growth. To achieve this, it has formulated a series of policies and carried out several major projects.

In addition, the administrative committee of Zhongguancun Science Park has implemented a number of financial support policies to help small and medium-sized enterprises grow quickly.

Industry alliances

One of the most important measures that the administrative committee has taken to enhance green industries is through the use of industrial alliances.

The alliances are jointly operated by universities, science and research institutes, and related enterprises in Zhongguancun.

So far, more than 10 energy conservation and environmental protection alliances have been formed to provide solutions to such issues as air and water pollution, as well as to develop clean-tech energy.

For example, the hot and cold air supply alliance, established in 2005, has been developing ways to generate heat and air conditioning from recycled water. Now the technology is being used in several communities in Beijing.

Xu said the alliances will significantly enhance the research, development and application of key technologies and standards. Alliances can help form innovative clusters and improve industry as a whole, he said.

Advanced experience

To better use Zhongguancun's existing resources in terms of technology, talent and enterprise clusters, the administrative committee has attracted advanced expertise from developed areas in the world.

Under Xu's leadership, the Zhongguancun International Environment Industry Promotion Center has evolved into a bridge between the government and enterprises. Through it, the government and enterprises can communicate regarding needs in terms of technology, markets, capital and other information.

Xu and his team are serving businesses through a website called State Environment Service, which helps to provide technologies, products, capitals and Internet services to enterprises inside and outside Zhongguancun.

"In the energy-saving and environmental protection industries of China, technology and the market rely closely on each other," he said. "However, actually we are not lacking technology and market demand but rather a bridge to help them find each other."

He added that the website, when fully operational, will serve as such a matchmaker.

Innovative measures

Zhongguancun still has other innovative measures to boost enterprises related to energy conservation and environmental protection.

For instance, the administrative committee of the zone and Xu's center encourage enterprises in Zhongguancun to participate in international exhibitions. They also invite foreign experts and enterprises with advanced technologies to visit Zhongguancun.

Looking ahead to the future, Xu said Zhongguancun has great responsibilities as one of the most influential bases for innovation in China.

In 2011, revenue from China's environmental protection industry increased 17.4 percent from 2010 to reach more than 1.3 trillion yuan. Revenue from the energy conservation industry increased by an average of 16.5 percent annually from 2004 to 2011, to reach more than 1 trillion yuan in 2011.

In the remaining time of the 12th Five-Year Period (2011-15), China's energy saving and environmental protection industries will continue to grow at an anticipated annual rate of 15 to 20 percent.

Xu said Zhongguancun's authorities will continue to provide financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises, build service platforms, help improve communications between enterprises and governments, and offer integrated professional international services.

(China Daily 12/26/2012 page22)