(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-13 16:47

BEIJING -- A Sino-US policy study has found energy conservation and emissions reduction in the power industry will be win-win for both environmental protection and economic growth, the country's top environmentalist said on Thursday at the 3rd U.S-China Strategic Economic Dialogue.

The economic research was into a program introduced under the framework of the first US-China Strategic Economic Dialogue held last December. Under the mechanism, China's State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency kicked off a joint study in April on energy conservation and emissions reduction polices for power industry, according to Zhou Shengxian, head of SEPA.

The study aimed to summarize experiences and draw lessons from the power industries of both countries. It was also to make analysis on related costs and efficiency and to submit to both governments suggestions and proposals for related policies.

At a press conference, Zhou said that after six months of joint effort, researchers had completed their work and had submitted the results for the Strategic Economic Dialogue.

The research found the polices of installing desulfurization equipment and of launching large projects while restricting smaller ones would ensure achievement in the sulfur-dioxide emission reduction goal for China's power industry.

After the goal was achieved, most Chinese provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities would reduce the sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere between 10 to 30 percent.

The ratio between the cost of the desulfurization arrangement and its overall efficiency was 1:5.

The research noted the desulfurization would have little negative effect on gross domestic product.

Zhou said China and the United States would also enhance cooperation on water supply, atmosphere, dangerous waste treatment and law enforcement for environmental protection.

The two-day 3rd US-China Strategic Economic Dialogue ended in Beijing on Thursday.