China Daily reported that Power equipment manufacturer Chint Group Corp will invest CNY 22 billion to build two solar power projects in Gansu province to expand its portfolio in new energy sectors.

Zhejiang-based Chint has signed an agreement with Gansu provincial government to build a solar power plant in Lanzhou with capacity of 1 gigawatt and a solar module manufacturing venture in the city with initial manufacturing capacity of 200 megawatt. But the company did not disclose when the project would come on line.

Analysts said at present, solar power projects completed or under construction in Gansu exceed 100 MW. The investment by the Chint Group would boost those numbers significantly.

The National Development and Reform Commission in July said China plans to develop 13 solar power projects in the western region as part of a government plan to cut emissions and boost energy investment in the area. The government is tendering bids to develop similar projects in six provinces, which will have a combined capacity of 280 MW.

This is the second tender since the country opened bids to build a 10 megawatt solar power plant in Dunhuang in Gansu province last year.

Analysts said in line with the rapid development of China solar power industry an increasing number of enterprises have strengthened their focus in the area. The country has now become a center for the global solar power industry.

Some overseas companies are also eyeing the huge market in China. Late last year, Arizona based First Solar Inc agreed to build a solar power plant in Inner Mongolia together with the local government.

(Sourced from China Daily)