Plans by Shenzhen Energy to expand an existing coal-fired power plant in southern China have prompted public protests in the town of Heyuan. The energy company is planning to spend $1.3 billion expanding the power plant in Guangdong province, but problems with smog and air pollution have caused local residents to speak out against the proposed project.
State media reported that "thousands" of people took to the town's streets on April 12 to voice opposition to the plans. Smog is a growing problems across many Chinese cities and there is growing awareness in the country of the environmental impact of the country's rapid economic growth.
The government is attempting to cut coal-burning and close industrial installations that do not comply with emission standards. However, official data shows that only eight out of 74 cities monitored by the Ministry of Environmenal Protection last year met air quality standards. Shenzhen Energy is majority-owned by the Shenzhen government.
Sian Crampsie
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