Australian companies break ground in renewable energy sector in China

Australian export case study

South Australia-based Neuplex Pty Ltd has been working with Austrade in China to provide solar energy solutions to remote communities in China.

Neuplex Neuplex has recently built on an initial agreement to develop and install solar energy generating systems and associated software signed with the Yulin Municipal Department of Science and Technology during the 2007 Sino-Australia Agriculture Cooperation Week, part of China’s annual Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Fair in November 2007.

Yulin, located in one of China’s historically poorest and remote regions in Shaanxi Province is very rich in natural resources including coal, natural gas and oil. . Agriculture is also important to the region, however, like many of China’s rural and remote areas, the region is extremely short of efficient energy supplies. Although rich in resources the local Government is keen to promote alternative energy solutions and has welcomed innovative technologies and products brought to the region by Australian companies such as Neuplex.

In January 2008 Neuplex donated two sets of solar equipment to commence cooperation with both government and companies in region – one set to Mme Niu Yuqin (a famous “model worker” and advocate for desert control and revegetation) and one to Yulin University for joint research on possible solutions to local conditons.

Yulin Mayor Mr Lan Xinzhe, a supporter of the project from the initial agreement was positive in his praise for Austrade and the Australian companies in their efforts to facilitate the project.

“The co-operation with the Australian government, Neuplex and BP Solar (a major partner in this project) in renewable energy applications for remote communities will have a substantial impact in improving rural production, living standards and the development of China’s “new” countryside and a harmonious society in line with national government policy” Mr Lan said.

“We hope that this is the beginning of extensive cooperation between Australia and Yulin c in renewable energy applications in agriculture.

“Austrade has been a very good ‘match maker’ in assisting both Chinese customers and Australian companies to find the most appropriate partners.”

Mr Lan will bring a mission of representatives from local government departments, companies and Yangling University to Australia March this year to follow up the projects and agreements signed on the Yangling Agribusiness fair. They will visit most parts of Australia including Adelaide where Neuplex is based.

Braving a snow storm to win

Both Neuplex and BP Solar appreciated Austrade’s efforts, particularly the Xian Office in identifying the opportunity and developing an alliance between them. Provision of key advice and strong logistics and communication support was a key to the success of the project. Austrade staff braved snow storms and a 16 hour train trip to remote north Shaanxi crowded with local people returning home for the Chinese New Year in order to attend the installation and lend support to the project.

“Quite simply, we would not have been able to achieve the result without Austrade’s help,” said Neuplex’s Thomas Man.

“Austrade has helped us break into the China renewable energy market and a very promising region for solar technology applications. It has broader implications for Australian exports to China in this sector.”

“We are not a large company but it doesn’t matter what the size of your company, Austrade support stays the same. This is very important for us”