Wind Power Project Qingdao
Project Type: Wind power
Location: China
The project consists of the implementation of 15 wind turbine generators with a total installed generation capacity of approx. 16 MW. The power generated by the wind park (approx. 30 GWh per year) is fed into the regional grid. The project is validated and verified by TÜV-Rheinland in accordance with the VER+ Standard applying an UN approved CDM methodology.
Project Background
The project consists of the implementation of 15 wind turbine generators with a total installed generation capacity of approx. 16 MW. The power generated by the wind park (approx. 30 GWh per year) is fed into the regional grid. In absence of the project CO2e emissions would have occurred by supplying the regional electricity demand from coal power plants.
Since the implementation phase in 2003 the project proponents are dealing with financial, political and technological barriers which are considerably lowering the annual amount of electricity generation. Since the technology applied had not been used in China before the project was implemented, technical problems have influenced the first years of operation. The resulting lower revenues have led to an unsustainable economic level putting at risk the future operation and maintenance of the wind park.
Furthermore, as a result of the novelty of renewable energy in 2006 lower tariffs for wind power are likely to happen. Following the recommendations of a study by the Institute for Applied Ecology, the project proponents decided to make use of carbon finance in order to make the project financially viable. The project is non-compliant with the national CDM precondition of a 51% Chinese majority owner, so the project proponents are applying for voluntary carbon certification.
Sustainable Development
The project provides important additional environmental benefits. It improves the overall health conditions by reducing the emissions of pollutants such SO2, NO2 and NOX that would be released by the power generation industry in absence of the project.
By representing a technology breakthrough the project contributes significantly to stimulating growth of the national wind power industry. Regarding the social benefits of the project, local employment opportunities were created during the implementation and operation.
