BEIJING, Jan. 13 -- China will erect Asia's largest wind turbines in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, in collaboration with Germany.

    According to the plan, five wind turbines each with a capability of five mega-watts will be installed in the sea offshore from Qingdao. They will serve as power generating units for the maritime events of the 2008 Olympic Games to be held in Qingdao.

    Tourists will be able to go up elevators within the turbines in order to get views of the surrounding area. An exhibition centre will also be set up nearby providing information on environmental protection.

    As one of the six projects to be signed at the three-day second Sino-German Forum on the Environment that began yesterday in Qingdao, the project is expected to receive a 50 million euro (US$61 million) investment from Germany. The six projects will cost nearly US$121 million.

    The forum, which is focusing on co-operations to develop sustainable energy and a circular economy, attracted representatives from economic and environmental protection circles of the two countries.

    "The forum will highlight issues surrounding sustainable development and a circular economy, since they are a top priority for China" said Zhu Guangyao, vice-minister of the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA).

    "Germany is well-known for its advanced technology and rich management experience in the fields of renewable energy and a circular economy," Zhu said. "Co-operations between the two countries look to have a rosy future."

    "A strong environmental policy could help to support further economic developments," said Matthias Machnig, State Secretary of Germany and Federal Minister of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

    (Source: China Daily))