This is a pretty bold move. The Chinese government is forcing over 2000 industrial plants to close in order to conserve energy. The plants chosen were the worst-performing, lowest-tech producing lower grade steel.
The NY Times reports that China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has published a list of 2,087 steel mills, cement works and other energy-intensive factories required to close by September 30 after discussions with provincial and municipal officials to identify industrial operations with outdated, inefficient technology. The goal of the factory closings is 'to enhance the structure of production, heighten the standard of technical capability and international competitiveness and realize a transformation of industry from being big to being strong,' the ministry says.
And it's a matter of national security:
As China has become increasingly dependent on imported oil and coal, its national security establishment has become more visibly involved in energy policy and energy security, including efforts to improve energy efficiency.
China has made strides in reducing pollution from industry, but this will be overshadowed by increases in pollution from personal vehicles as their population grows and becomes more affluent.
No comments:
Post a Comment