China
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
Dimethoxymethane (DMM)/Diesel Blends as a Low-Cost Approach for Emissions Control
November 17, 2008
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| Relationship between NOx and smoke of the DMM blends under one set of speed and load conditions. Click to enlarge. Credit: ACS |
Researchers at Xi’an Jiaotong University in China have investigated the combustion, performance, and emissions of a direct-injection (DI) diesel engine fueled with dimethoxymethane (DMM)/diesel blends, with DMM content ranging from 0 to 50%.
Their results showed that, with no changes to the fuel injection system or modifications to the engine, smoke and CO emissions decrease and NOx remains almost unchanged, while hydrocarbons (HCs) increase. Brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) is higher (DMM has a smaller lower heating value than diesel), while thermal efficiency increases a little. A diesel engine fueled with a 30% DMM blend can deliver both satisfactory fuel efficiency and emissions levels, they conclude. A report on their study was published online 14 November in the ACS journal Energy & Fuels.
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GM and Coskata Highlight Cellulosic Biofuels Opportunity in China; Estimates of 45-49 BGPY Market by 2030
October 25, 2008
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| China biofuel potential: technical, economic and business-as-usual scenarios. Click to enlarge. Source: GM, Tsinghua University |
China has the potential to produce about 45-49 billion gallons per year (BGPY) of cellulosic biofuels by 2030, given appropriate supporting economic incentives, according to presentations by both General Motors and Coskata at the 4th World Biofuels Symposium at Tsinghua University in Beijing, 19 - 21 October, 2008, organized by BBI International and with COFCO as the title sponsor.
Coskata, a thermo-biochemical cellulosic ethanol company (and a strategic partner of GM, earlier post) based a 49 MGPY estimate on data from the USDA, UN FAO and its own production experience, said Wes Bolsen, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer and VP of Business Development. The 49 billion gallon number does not include landfill gas, municipal waste, steel mill gas, or any coal gasification that could add billions more, Bolsen added.
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China’s R&D Efforts on Li-Ion Batteries for Transportation
September 18, 2008
China, already a global center for lithium-ion battery component production and battery manufacturing, is ramping up its research and development efforts in the field, both within the private sector and with government support.
At the 1st International Conference on Advanced Lithium Batteries for Automobile Applications, organized by Argonne National Laboratory, Dr. Jiqiang Wang of the Tianjin Institute of Power Sources (TIPS) provided an overview of the government-supported R&D projects for lithium-ion batteries for transportation, which are now focusing on two primary cathode materials: manganese spinel (LiMn2O4) and iron phosphate (LiFePO4).
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Altona Resources Signs MOU with CNOOC on Arckaringa CTL Project in South Australia
August 19, 2008
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| The Arckaringa CTL and cogen project is situated close to a major rail line and highway, and is targeting exports to Asia as well as domestic use. Click to enlarge. |
Altona Resources Plc, an Australia-based energy company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CNOOC (Beijing) Energy Investment Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Corporation, towards the development of the 10 million barrel per year (30,000 barrels per day) coal-to-liquids (CTL) and 560 MW co-generation Arckaringa Project in South Australia. CNOOC is one of the three largest State-owned oil companies in China.
Altona envisions a future expansion of the more than A$3 billion (US$2.6 billion) Arckaringa project to increase production to 45,000 barrels per day and 840 MW of export power as markets develop.
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Chery Partnered with Ricardo on A5 Hybrids
August 06, 2008
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| A Chery A5 ISG Hybrid of the type being provided for the Olympics. |
China’s Chery Automobile Company Ltd. partnered with Ricardo on the development of its A5 hybrids, 50 of which it is providing for the Beijing Olympics. Chery has developed two new hybrid models based on the existing A5 sedan.
The first is a stop-start micro hybrid based on a 12-volt belt starter-generator (BSG) linked to a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. The second is a more comprehensive mild hybrid based on the same vehicle but equipped with a 1.3-liter gasoline engine and a 12 kw crankshaft-mounted 151-volt integrated starter-generator (ISG). (Earlier post.)
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Nissan, BTIC Launch Traffic Information-Based Car Navigation System in Beijing
July 24, 2008
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| Star Wings navigation screen. Click to enlarge. |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Beijing Transportation Information Center (BTIC) launched the first commercial application of the Star Wings project in Beijing. (Earlier post.) The new Nissan Teana sedan now offers the smart route-guidance navigation system as a standard feature on the 3.5L model and as an optional feature on the 2.5L model.
Jointly administered by BTIC, Nissan, Beijing University of Technology and Hiroshima University, the Star Wings project simulates traffic flow using information on drivers’ behaviors coupled with real-time traffic information for Beijing. With a 30% utilization rate of the navigation system, the average commute time could potentially decrease by up to 16% percent by navigating a route less congested, according to the modeling results.
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Westport Innovations in Alt-Fuel Vehicle JV with China’s Largest Heavy-Duty Engine Manufacturer
July 16, 2008
Westport Innovations Inc.; Weichai Power Co. Ltd, China’s largest heavy-duty engine manufacturer; and Hong Kong Peterson (CNG) Equipment Limited have formed a joint venture—Weichai Westport Inc. (WWI)—to research, develop, design, manufacture, market, distribute and sell advanced, alternative fuel engines (plus relevant parts and kits) for use in automobiles, heavy-duty trucks, power generation and shipping applications.
Westport supplies a range of systems such as HPDI (earlier post) and H2DI (earlier post) enabling engines to operate on cleaner-burning gaseous fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen-natural gas blends (HCNG), hydrogen and biofuels such as landfill gas. Westport’s joint venture with Cummins Inc.—Cummins Westport Inc.—manufactures and sells low-emissions alternative fuel engines for commercial transportation applications such as trucks and buses.
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CAS Researchers Encapsulate Tin Nanoparticles in Nanospheres for Li-ion Anode Materials
June 24, 2008
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| The structure and the lithiation process of the tin nanoparticles encapsulated with elastic hollow carbon spheres. Click to enlarge. Image: Prof. Li-Jun Wan |
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology have successfully designed and synthesized tin-based nanostructured anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries. The work was published in a recent issue of the journal Advanced Materials.
Metallic tin is considered a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries because its theoretical specific capacity (Li4.4Sn, 992 mAh/g) is much higher than that of conventional graphite (LiC6, 372 mAh/g). However, the biggest challenge for employing metallic tin as an applicable active anode material is its large variation in volume during the lithium insertion/extraction cycle. This variation leads to the pulverization of the electrode and very rapid capacity decay.
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Dutch Agency Says China Contributed Two-Thirds of 2007’s Increase in CO2 Emissions; US the Top Emitter per Person
June 13, 2008
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| CO2 emissions by region. Click to enlarge. Data: PBL |
In 2007, global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from fossil fuel use and cement production increased by 3.1%, following a 3.5% increase in 2006. An analysis by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving, PBL) estimates that with a national increase of 8% in 2007, China’s CO2 emissions accounted for two-thirds of the 2007 global increase.
Smaller contributions were made by India, the US and the Russian Federation, in contrast to the European Union (EU-15), where a relatively warm winter and high fuel prices led to a 2% decrease in CO2 emissions. The increase in emissions in 2007 of about 800 million metric tons of CO2 was mainly due to a 4.5% increase in global coal consumption, to which China contributed more than 70%.
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Argonne: China Making “Vast Progress” in Li-Ion Manufacturing Technology
June 08, 2008
China is making “vast progress” in lithium-ion battery manufacturing technology, according to a review published earlier this year by Argonne National Laboratory under the sponsorship of the US Department of Energy’s Office of Vehicle Technologies (OVT).
The scope of the study, by Pandit G. Patil, was (1) to determine the state of the art and current production of lithium-ion batteries in China and (2) to develop recommendations for DOE with respect to battery benchmarking and testing of candidate batteries for use in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
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UC Davis Study Concludes That the Ongoing Rapid Growth of Electric Two-Wheelers in China Could Drive Further Electrification of Transport Sector
May 11, 2008
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| Motorized vehicle sales in China. Click to enlarge. Source: J. Weinert et. al. (2008) |
The market for electric two-wheelers (E2Ws) in China is booming; by 2006, the annual sales of E2Ws—which were virtually non-existent in the 1990s—almost equaled those of gasoline two-wheelers (G2W) (see chart at right). A new report from a team at the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies analyzes the E2W phenomenon.
The authors—Jonathan Weinert, Joan Ogden, Dan Sperling, and Andrew Burke—conclude that the balance of forces driving and resisting E2W growth appears to favor ongoing E2W growth. This growth in turn will likely drive further vehicle electrification through continued innovation in batteries and motors, the switch from lead-acid to Li-ion batteries in E2Ws, and the development of larger E2Ws and EVs.
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ChangAn Displays FlexDI Concept Engine at Auto China 2008
April 23, 2008
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| The ChangAn CA18 FlexDI Concept Engine. Click to enlarge. |
ChangAn Auto, China’s fourth largest automotive manufacturer, is displaying a concept engine developed with Orbital at Auto China 2008 (the Beijing International Motor Show).
The CA18 FlexDI concept engine, fitted with Orbital’s FlexDI combustion and direct injection systems (earlier post), was commissioned by ChangAn, with design and assembly by Orbital in collaboration with ChangAn.
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BYD Introduces Electric E6 Crossover at Beijing Auto Show
April 21, 2008
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| The BYD E6 at the show. |
BYD Auto introduced its E6 electric vehicle (earlier post) at the Beijing International Auto Show. The battery-electric crossover—based on BYD’s F6 platform—will be produced commercially within the next one to two years.
Powered by a lithium-ion pack built with BYD’s own lithium-ion iron phosphate large format prismatic batteries, the E6 will have a maximum mileage of 300 km (186 miles) after being fully charged. BYD says the 5-seat vehicle will accelerate from zero to 100 km per hour in around 10 seconds and has a top speed of 160 kph (99 mph).
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Nickel Silicide Nanobelts and Sheets in Li-ion Anodes Boost Capacity
April 19, 2008
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| Electrochemical performance of the Ni silicide nanosheets (comprising Ni3Si and Ni31Si12) grown on a Ni foil substrate and of the Ni silicide nanobelts (Ni3Si) grown on a Ni foam substrate. Click to enlarge. |
Using nickel silicide nanobelts and sheets as anode materials can boost the capacity of high energy density lithium-ion batteries, according to researchers from Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science in China. In a paper published in Nanotechnology, Hui-Ming Cheng and his colleagues report a reversible capacity of more than 540 mAh g-1 using the nickel silicide material.
While that electrochemical capacity is lower than that provided by some silicon nanotube composites (more than 720 mAh g-1), it is significantly higher than the 350 mAh g-1 average capacity of current graphite anodes. The researchers found that the capacity can be maintained even for the 20th cycle in a standard Li+ half-cell.
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GM Debuts Buick LaCrosse Hybrid at Auto China; Will Bring Escalade 2-Mode to China in 2009
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| The Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid. |
The Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid (earlier post), is making its auto show debut at the 2008 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China Beijing). Introduced by Shanghai GM in January, the LaCrosse uses the GM Hybrid System (a mild-hybrid, belt-alternator-starter system) to deliver a 15% improvement in fuel consumption: 8.3 L/100km (28.3 mpg US), compared with 9.8 L/100km (24 mpg US) for the non-hybrid version.
GM also introduced the Cadillac Escalade 2-Mode Hybrid for the first time in China at the event. The company plans to begin sales of the 2-Mode luxury full-size SUV there in 2009.
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Guangzhou Armada Development and Guangzhou Yiqi Bus Co. to Purchase 207 Additional Eaton Hybrid Systems for Buses
April 09, 2008
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| One of the first Foton-Eaton hybrid buses in Guangzhou in January. |
Guangzhou Armada Development Corporation and Guangzhou Yiqi Bus Company, Ltd. will purchase 207 additional diesel-electric hybrid power systems from Eaton Corporation for application in new buses in Guangzhou.
This purchase adds to the initial installation of 30 Eaton hybrid-powered buses announced in January. (Earlier post.) The buses will be placed into passenger service throughout the year. Once deployed, this will be the largest single placement of hybrid-powered buses in China. It is also Eaton’s largest single hybrid power systems order to date.
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New Analysis Concludes China CO2 Emissions Growing More Rapidly Than Expected
March 11, 2008
The growth in China’s carbon dioxide emissions is far outpacing previous estimates, making the goal of stabilizing atmospheric greenhouse gases much more difficult, according to a new analysis by economists at the University of California, Berkeley, and UC San Diego.
The authors of the study, Maximillian Auffhammer, UC Berkeley assistant professor of agricultural and resource economics, and Richard Carson, UC San Diego professor of economics, based their findings upon pollution data from China’s 30 provincial entities.
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China’s BYD Unveils Second Plug-in Hybrid Model at Geneva Motor Show; Plans to Begin Sales in Europe in 2-3 Years
March 05, 2008
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| The F3DM. |
China’s BYD Co Ltd., which introduced its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology at the North American International Auto Show in January (earlier post) in the form of the F6DM (Dual Mode, for EV and HEV), has introduced another, smaller model using its hybrid powertrain at the Geneva Motor Show: the F3DM.
The F6DM shown in Detroit, a variant of the front-wheel drive F6 sedan that BYD introduced into the China market earlier this year, offers three modes of operation: full battery-powered EV mode driving its 75 kW, 400 Nm motor; series-hybrid mode, in which a 50 kW, 1.0-liter engine drives a generator as a range-extender; and parallel hybrid mode, in which the engine and motor both provide propulsive power.
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China Yuchai in Joint Ventures with Geely and Yinlun for 2.0L, Euro-5 Diesel Passenger Car Engine
February 25, 2008
China Yuchai International Limited, the leading manufacturer and distributor of diesel engines in China, has entered into an Equity Joint Venture (JV) Agreement with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. (Geely) and Zhejiang Yinlun Machinery Co, Limited (Yinlun), to form two joint venture companies in Tiantai, Zhejiang Province and Jining, Shandong Province.
The joint venture companies will be primarily engaged in the development, production and sales of a proprietary 2.0-liter diesel engine and its parts for passenger vehicles. Geely will develop the first generation prototype of the diesel engine and will purchase all its requirements from the JV companies, provided the conditions of quality, price and production capacity are met.
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Lifan to Apply First China-made VVT Engine in 620 Sedan
January 28, 2008
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| The Lifan 1.8-liter VVT engine. |
China automaker Lifan will apply its new 1.8L VVT gasoline engine, China’s first domestically produced variable valve technology engine, in the new Lifan 620 sedan.
The engine (B4L18), which has been in development for two years with support from Ricardo, delivers maximum power of 100 kW (134 hp) and maximum torque of 172 Nm (126 lb-ft), while meeting Euro 3 emission standards.
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Antonov Joint Venture With Loncin For New 6-Speed AT Proceeding to Plan, Cooperation with Geely Ended
January 26, 2008
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| The new AT150 automatic transmission will first be targeted at domestic China manufacturers, but eventually will be exported. Click to enlarge. |
Transmission developer Antonov plc says that it is making “considerable progress” in China, with its cooperation with Loncin on developing a small six-speed automatic transmission proceeding according to plan and with financial and other commitments being met on time.
In parallel with the technical development work, marketing of the new product is underway. The first product is aimed at 1.3- to 1.6-liter front wheel drive passenger cars, initially targeting the Chinese domestic car makers.
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Shanghai GM Launches “Drive to Green” Strategy; Introduces LaCrosse Hybrid, Two-Mode and E-Flex Systems to Come
January 22, 2008
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| Shanghai GM’s newly announced Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid. |
Shanghai General Motors officially inaugurated its “Drive to Green” strategy today, with China Environmental Protection Foundation President Qu Geping and representatives from across the company’s value chain present.
The strategy covers three key areas: developing products with improved performance, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions; cultivating greener manufacturing systems; and undertaking a “green responsibility.”
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BP Reinforces Commitment to China With Series of Agreements; Coal Conversion, Wind, Acetic Acid
January 19, 2008
BP has signed a series of agreements in China involving the strategic integration and commercialization of coal conversion technologies; wind power generation; and world-class acetic acid production.
The British Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown and the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, as well as officials from both the British and Chinese governments, witnessed the signing during a ceremony in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
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BYD Auto Introduces Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle in Detroit; On Sale This Year in China
January 14, 2008
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| The engine, generator, motor and power control unit of the F6DM. Click to enlarge. |
BYD Auto, a subsidiary of China-based BYD Group, the leading provider of NiCd batteries (65% global market share) and lithium-ion cell phone batteries (30% global market share), introduced its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology at the North American International Auto Show.
The F6DM (Dual Mode, for EV and HEV), a variant of the front-wheel drive F6 sedan that BYD introduced into the China market earlier this year, actually offers three modes of operation: full battery-powered EV mode driving its 75 kW, 400 Nm motor; series-hybrid mode, in which a 50 kW, 1.0-liter engine drives a generator as a range-extender; and parallel hybrid mode, in which the engine and motor both provide propulsive power.
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US and China Increase Biofuels Cooperation
December 13, 2007
The US Departments of Energy (DOE) and Agriculture (USDA) and China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the development of biomass resources and biofuels.
The new MOU follows two bilateral agreements signed in September between DOE and China’s NDRC. The first MOU signed by DOE and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology aims to promote large-scale deployment of next-generation efficiency vehicle technologies in the US and China specifically focusing on electric, hybrid-electric, fuel cell, and alternative fuel technologies.
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Chang’an Automobile Begins Production of Mild-Hybrid Jie Xun
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| The Jie Xun hybrid. |
Chang’an Automobile—China’s fourth-largest automaker and partner of Ford Motor and Suzuki Motor, has begun production of the mild-hybrid Jie Xun mini wagon. The hybrid is the first in production in China featuring all-domestic hybrid drive system technology, developed under the auspices of the China Ministry of Science and Technology’s Project 863.
Six years in development, the Jie Xun hybrid offers functions such as start/stop, power assistance and regenerative braking, and reduces fuel consumption by more than 20% compared with a comparable conventional vehicle, according to Xu Liuping, president of Chang’an Automobile.
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AREVA and China Guangdong Nuclear Power Sign Largest Nuclear Contract Ever
November 26, 2007
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| Cutaway of an EPR. (1) reactor vessel, (2) the steam generators,(3) the pressurizer, (4) reactor coolant pumps, (5) inner prestressed concrete housing, (6) metallic liner and outer reinforced concrete shell, (7) special area for collection and cooling of escaping molten core, (8, 9) backup diesel generators, (10) turbine building. Click to enlarge. Larger detailed cutaway here. |
AREVA and China Guangdong Nuclear Power COrporation (CGNPC) signed a record contract worth €8 billion (US$11.9 billion)—the biggest ever in the history of nuclear power—and entered into a long-term commitment.
Through a series of agreements, AREVA, in conjunction with CGNPC, will build two new generation EPR reactors and will provide all the materials and services required to operate them. Following Finland and France, China will be home to the third and fourth EPR to be built in the world. The EPR will be built in Taishan in Guangdong province.
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Ford Introduces Second Verve Small Car Concept at Guangzhou Show
November 21, 2007
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| Ford Verve concept introduced at Guangzhou. |
At the Auto Guangzhou show in China, Ford revealed more about its vision for a new global small car family with the global introduction of the second Verve Concept—a four-door notchback.
Ford introduced the three-door hatchback Verve Concept at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. (Earlier post.) Ford will unveil the third and last Verve Concept in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
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China and UK Launch Near Zero Emissions Coal Phase 1 Study
November 20, 2007
The governments of China and the UK formally launched the Near Zero Emissions Coal (NZEC) Phase 1 study in Beijing, China. The aim of the Phase 1 appraisal study is to look at the feasibility of building coal-fired power plants in China fitted with CO2 capture and storage (CCS). NZEC implements the vision of realizing a large scale Near Zero Emissions Coal demonstration in China as agreed at the EU-China Summit in September 2005.
Phase 2 of the NZEC project will define and design a demonstration project, and Phase 3 will build and operate that project. Outputs from Phase 1 will be important in determining further activities in Phases 2 and 3.
