Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)'s Business Club Australia, the official Australian business program of the Beijing Olympics, will stage a Clean Energy Mission during the Beijing Olympics.

The Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, said on Thursday the Clean Energy Mission would provide a platform for Australia's expertise in renewable energy to connect with the potential of the Chinese market.

"The mission will raise the profile of Australia's clean energy capabilities, promote Australian innovation, and connect Australian companies to key Chinese energy sector representatives and local customers. Australian companies will participate in business networking events, gaining valuable insights into doing business in China," the minister said in a statement to the press.

China is the second largest energy consumer in the world and the Chinese government has mandated that by 2010 renewable energy must account for ten percent of the nation's total energy consumption, and 15 percent by 2020.

"It is estimated this will require 350 billion Australian dollars (330 billion US dollars) in investment to achieve these targets. Australia has the expertise to work with China and to become a world leader in zero and low emissions technologies," said Crean.

He added that China is already Australia's largest trading partner. With continuing economic growth, a dramatic rate of urbanisation, the challenges of climate change and rising energy demands, China is actively seeking solutions to improve sustainable practices.

Companies participating in the Clean Energy Mission will include a world leader in wind energy development, Roaring 40s from Tasmania, which has fast become the leading international wind energy developer in China.

Another participant in the mission is the University of New South Wales, a world leader in converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic solar cells. China is the world's largest manufacturer of solar cells, and UNSW's photovoltaic capabilities have helped it establish partnerships with key Chinese institutions working in renewable energy.

"More than 3000 Australian and Chinese business people are expected to attend events at Business Club Australia. Business Club Australia will use the resources of Austrade's network of 15 offices in China to bring together Australians and key Chinese officials and business people, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2008)