China is planning to reach 20 million kWh of functional solar power output in 2020. This goal is more than 10 times the existing goal previously set in 2007 ‘ not so long ago. If the cost of solar power is relatively equal to that of wind power and other natral power sources, the total solar power capacity most likely won’t be limited, since it seems likely that annual growth of solar power output is likely to double, or even triple by then.

When it comes to wind power, the government set a target that was more in line with other international assessments. China built its first wind farm in 1986 and by the end of 2004, there were 43 wind farms containing some 1291 turbines. So far total output has exceeded 1000 megawatts of capacity.

Government officials have announced that China will also set up seven new wind power farms which would have over 10 million kWh of power capacity each. Over the next decade, China’s wind power capacity alone will reach 150 million kWh. Combined with the capacity provided by solar initiatives, this means that by 2020, China’s natural energy use will be equal to about 800 million tons of coal – or about a third of their current yearly energy consumption.

And by then, China will be able to reduce carbon dioxide emission by 1,800,000,000 billion tons per year.

Today, the wind industry in China is growing rapidly and receiving very strong government support. New laws that have recently come into effect, and their incentive policies show the government’s intention to continue building this industry. By 2020, they plan to be generating 30 gigawatts of wind power.

Wind power and solar power are proven alternatives of unlimited potential. After years of subsidies, and a growing number of rebates ‘ especially in Europe where the will to become energy independent has been traditionally valued for centuries ‘ these resources are now economically competitive with conventional energy. Surprisingly, the Chinese commitment to developing wind power is genuine, considering their traditional reliance upon coal. And economists around the world say that China is just getting started.