The results of new research will be applied to the Games,
officials with the Ministry of Science and Technology said
yesterday.
More than 6 billion yuan (US$780 million) has been invested in
about 1,500 science and technology projects in urban construction,
energy-saving, environmental protection, traffic management and
information services for the Beijing Games, ministry sources said.
About 1.5 billion yuan was contributed by the central budget and
the rest by local government budgets and the public.
"We are confident of hosting a successful hi-tech Olympic Games
next year as the country has invested heavily in construction and
scientific innovations," Qin Yong, deputy director of the
Development and Planning Department of the Ministry of Science and
Technology, said.
"Special efforts have been made to tackle environment and
traffic problems.
"The ministry will continue to support high-end and
environment-friendly enterprises, promoting their independent
research and development, and speeding up the application of
intellectual property rights," he said.
To achieve the target of zero emission in the Olympic zone,
Li-ion battery-powered vehicles will be used. The battery was
designed by the Beijing Institute of Technology
Another 100 hybrid electric vehicles will be used to connect all
the venues across the city.
So far, seven model buses have been built and all have passed
the required road tests. The manufacturer will soon begin mass
production, Chen Ligong, a senior engineer of Beijing Science and
Technology Commission, said.
The Li-ion battery is designed for vehicles with a high energy
density, and long-term repetitive use. Its high efficiency and zero
emission have made it a major subject of research and development
at home and abroad.
However, some accidents caused by the Li-ion battery have
occurred in recent years, sparking concern over its safety.
"The Li-ion battery to be used in the Olympic buses is different
and fully reliable for its safety," Chen said.
About 80 percent of buses and 70 percent of taxis in Beijing are
expected to use clean fuel by the end of this year.
Renewable energy sources including solar energy, wind power and
terrestrial heat will be used widely in the Olympic zone and is
expected to save 64.5 million kwh a year.
Energy saving construction materials in the zone is expected to
help save another 260 million kwh a year and reduce carbon dioxide
emission of 230,000 tons a year, experts said.
A national key scientific project, the Beijing intelligent
traffic management system, has built four centers to oversee 80
percent of traffic on urban roads.
(China Daily August 8, 2007)