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ger ships while in harbours”. It is planned to expand the Fischer plant in Taicang, which will also create production space for fuel cell technology. An issue that is currently being considered by the Taicang administration.
There is no question that China is a very attractive market for companies. And it is a market in which, from the point of view of the Fischer Group, a lot is going on. “The Chinese government is very committed to developing new environmental technologies and will make these faster and more ef cient than anywhere else in the world through their deci- sions,” says Fischer.
“For us, in addition to the core business of producing laser- welded stainless steel pipes, we also see good growth opportuni- ties for our company in fuel cell technology, truck exhaust gas detoxi cation and passenger cars (BEV or hybrid). Finally, it is also our contribution to being able to play a part in China’s environmen- tal policy.”
And this contribution has already begun: The Fischer Group has already developed projects with Chinese companies in the eld of exhaust gas detoxi cation, maintains contacts with Chinese OEMs in fuel cell technology, has already supplied fuel cells and range extenders for series testing and has equipped buses with this for testing. The Fischer Group wants to be perceived in China as a “Group for Environmental Technologies”, says Hans-Peter Fischer.
Increase in sewer sludge treatment
However, in order to shoulder the further success of the water and
energy issue, it is important to continue to invest heavily in the future. According to estimates by the Chinese Ministry of Construc- tion, nearly 85 billion US dollars are needed to meet the waste- water treatment targets outlined in the 13th Five-Year Program - 2016-2020, GTAI reports. In the cities, for example, 95% and in towns at least 85% of the waste- water will be treated. The sewage sludge treatment capacity is to be increased two and a half times by 2020 to 97,500 tonnes per day.
With the amended environmen- tal protection law (EPL) and the updated Air Pollution Law from the past years – to name just a couple of examples – China is serious about its efforts to provide clear (water) conditions. Even environmentalists see a compre- hensive political document in a ten-point program with 238 indi- vidual measures enacted in 2015. This can also be seen as a turning point. Environmental law not only drastically increases possible nes and compensatory payments, but for the rst time it also enforces the prosecution of those directly responsible. The Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law, which came into force on 1 January 2018, aims to further improve drinking water quality.
Revising the lack of implementation
Strict implementation of legal requirements has been lacking in previous years. One reason for earlier halting implementation is that environmental regulations are enforced at city and provincial levels through local Environmen- tal Protection Boards (EPBs).The EPBs answer to the mayor or pro- vincial governor, whose promo- tion potential as a party of cial is
based primarily on demonstrating economic growth. This dynamic assures that environmental goals are almost always subordinated to economic development goals, according to the ITA Country Case Study. The revised Environmental Protection Law (EPL) may serve as a remedy to such systemic weak- nesses in enforcement by incen- tivizing environmental protection in bureaucratic performance meas- ures and penalizing those who fail to enforce the law with demotion, dismissal and potential criminal prosecution. This sets a precedent for greater compliance with envi- ronmental regulations.
Companies as suppliers
According to GTAI, the lead of EPC projects (Engineering Pro- curement Construction) lies with local construction companies or construction development compa- nies. Foreign companies are often limited to controlling and consult- ing. However, German companies keep coming back as suppliers.
As mentioned, the need for envi- ronmental technologies is great beyond measure. A development like bringing water to the mills of innovative companies...
Pipe and Tube Processing Machin- ery, Tube Trading and Manufactur- ing, Pro les, Bending and Forming Technology and Tube Accessories will be presented at Tube China from September 26 – 29, 2018 in the New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) in Shanghai.
Market information
ITAtube Journal No2/July 2018
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