Construction of China's experimental solar thermal plant to start next month

China is to start construction on an experimental solar thermal plant in March, according to a report by China Daily. Designed by the China Academy of Sciences, the 1.5-megawatt project will be built in a Beijing suburb and start operating next year, according to Wang Zhifeng, chief designer of the plant.

A budget worth $14.7 million has been marked for the scheme. The plant, which will cover 32 acres and include 100 curved mirrors that track the sun and redirect the rays to a receiver atop a 328-foot tower, will generate up to 2.7 million kwh of electricity per year.

This development gives an indication of China’s intent to explore emerging solar technologies. The National Development and Reform Commission has said China plans to generate at least 150 mW of power from solar thermal power stations by 2015.