Shuozhou, a major coal producer in Shanxi province, announced the building of a national demonstration area of industrial solid waste utilization at the 2017 China International Coal Combustion Product Conference (CICCPC) held in the city on Sept 24.

With electricity generation as its pillar industry, Shuozhou produces a large amount of solid waste, such as coal ash and desulfurized gypsum, which makes the city an ideal place to promote the comprehensive resources utilization, according to Wang Anpang, Party secretary of the city.

Since it was designated as a pilot area of the comprehensive utilization of industrial solid waste in 2011, Shuozhou government has made great efforts to push forward innovative and eco-friendly development.

So far, there are a total of 145 companies specializing in the utilization of solid waste. They can manage 34 million tons of solid waste annually, with a utilization rate at 64 percent. The annual output value reaches 18 billion yuan ($2.72 billion), accounting for 18 percent of the total industrial output in the city.

The achievement comes from government supports and cooperation with 16 domestic universities. A research center of solid waste sponsored by the Shuozhou government and Peking University has played a leading role in the utilizing technologies of solid waste nationwide.

Running for the fifth consecutive year in Shuozhou, the CICCPC also provides a good opportunity for idea exchanges in the field.

Under the theme "Technological Innovation to Promote Green Development", the two-day event included a product exhibition and a series of academic seminars.

Experts from the United States, Germany, Australia, Canada, Ukraine and Japan were among the 700 participants at the event.

The 2017 China International Coal Combustion Product Conference (CICCPC) held in Shuozhou, Shanxi province on Sept 24. [Photo/chinanews.com]

Wang Anpang, Party secretary of Shuozhou, speaks at the opening ceremony of the 2017 China International Coal Combustion Product Conference on Sept 24. [Photo/chinanews.com]