Renewable Energy Law of the People's Republic of China, 2005 (Amended 2009)

The Law is enacted for the purpose of:

• Promoting the development and utilization of renewable energy.
• Increasing the supply of energy.
• Improving the structure of energy.
• Safeguarding the safety of energy.
• Protecting environment.
• Realizing a sustainable economic and social development. 

For the purposes of the Law, “renewable energy” is defined as non-fossil energies, such as wind energy, solar energy, hydro-energy, bioenergy, geothermal energy and ocean energy. The law contains provisions on resource surveys and development plans, guidance for the industry and technical support, promotion and application, price control and expenses sharing, economic incentives and supervisory measures, and legal responsibility. The law mandates the administrative department of energy of the State Council to formulate a national long- and medium-term total target for the development and utilization of renewable energies, submit it to the State Council for approval, and publish and implement it after the State Council's approval. The department is also mandated to formulate and publish a regenerable energy resource industry development guidance catalogue. Moreover, anyone who wishes to construct a project of synchronized electricity generation by using renewable energies shall obtain an administrative license or report the project for archival purposes in accordance with the relevant laws and the relevant provisions of the State Council. Where two or more persons apply for an identical project as mentioned above which is subject to administrative licensing, the licensee shall be determined through public bidding.