Zhang Chuanwei, chairman and CEO of Ming Yang Wind Power Group, a leading Chinese wind turbine manufacturer based in Guangdong Province, dismissed the allegation that overcapacity is bogging down China's wind turbine manufacturing sector, saying that as long as the technology continues innovating, there won't be overcapacity.

According to data released by the National Energy Administration, China built more wind turbines than any other country in 2015, adding 32,970 megawatts of wind power capacity last year, a roughly 22 percent increase over 2014.

He pointed out that the share of clean energy in energy consumption is only 1 percent, providing a large opportunity for the wind power industry to expand.

The deputy suggested that promoting wind power in poor areas, which are normally rich in potential wind power, could help lift them out of poverty.

Commenting on China's long-time lack of core technologies in the wind power industry, Zhang said China has made big strides and even leapfrogged European firms in some core technologies.

For instance, Chinese manufacturers have outdone their European rivals in building turbines capable of withstanding hurricanes and typhoons. Moreover, China is able to build wind farms on the plateau, pulling off a miracle in the field and taking China to the forefront of the industry.

While emphasizing the fact that Chinese technologies are not in an inferior position, Zhang added that if Chinese manufacturers strive for craftsmanship and high quality in both products and service, they would gain a more competitive edge.

"Belt and Road" initiative offers leverage

Zhang said the "Belt and Road" initiative will bring a huge boon to China's new energy industry, since the countries involved have large potential for energy exploitation and a big demand for energy.

"It is a monumental opportunity for Chinese companies," asserted Zhang. "The initiative will give them leverage to seek an overseas presence."

He revealed that Ming Yang Wind Power has built wind farms and projects in India, Pakistan, and Eastern Europe. The company is now in talks with a Russian company over the establishment of a wind turbine factory.

Zhang told China.org.cn that the company is set to export wind and solar power equipment with a total capacity of 300 to 500 megawatts this year.

He views the anti-dump and anti-subsidies charges that some countries have thrown against Chinese wind power equipment manufacturers in recent years were insignificant, since Chinese firms now seek cooperation with local companies instead of merely selling equipment and can thus avoid such charges.

He noted that legal disputes are a hard nut to crack when it comes to carrying out a project in a foreign country, so he urged Chinese firms seeking to gain a foothold in overseas markets to heighten cooperation on legal affairs.

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