Wind Power in China: Chasing a Dream that Creates Value - Wind Power for the World: The Rise of Modern Wind Energy - page 607

From 1996 until 1998, Xiao Gongren had his busiest two years
with the biggest load pressure. In March 1996, National Planning
Commission launched “wind program”, and Xiao Gongren was
appointed as a member of the panel of experts and later the head,
hosting the bidding for large-scale wind turbines in China. In 1997,
the National Economics and Trade Commission arranged 70 MW
of installed capacity in technological upgrading project “Two
Enhance Program”. The Ministry of Electric Power set up wind
power projects, where Xiao Gongren was assigned the task to lead
the panel of experts to provide technological support for wind
farms. This project was completed and accepted at the end of
1998, with the capacity of 83.6 MW, signifying the demonstration
phase for wind power generation in China entering into large scale
development.
Named as the giant in China's wind power, Zhu Ruizhao explored
the proven potential for wind energy resources in China to be
around 160 GW, merely for resources available at 10 m height.
“Apparently, with variations of height, this will change and at 50 m,
the amount of resources could double”. Such findings put light on
wind power in China. Afterwards, Zhu Ruizhao made research in
the zoning of wind energy in China and released the report of
China's Wind Energy Resources Calculation and Zoning in 1985,
elaborating on the wind energy resources, possibility of exploration
and advice.
As the pioneer of wind farms, Wang Wenqi facilitated a
historic event in China's wind power history. In 1980, he led some
young people to explore wind power technology. In November
1986, they set up two large “windmills” at the lake of Chai Wopu
and on the first day of 1987, put them officially into operation. After
setting up the test station at Chai Wopu, Wang Wenqi had already
started to prepare wind farms in the city of Daban, in Liaoning
Province. With hardships overcome, the largest wind farm in size
of installation back then in China and even in Asia was set up in
October 1989. This fact exerted positive influences in wind power
development in China.
As one of the pioneers of China's wind power, He Dexin
initiated the establishment of the Chinese Wind Energy Association
and China Wind Energy Technology Development Center as
early as in 1980. He hosted national key projects on topics like