Minister of Environmental Protection Zhou Shengxian signed agreements on emission reduction targets with provincial-level governments and major state-owned enterprises on December 20.

The agreements, which were endorsed by the State Council, specify mandatory emission reduction targets and pollution control targets that these local governments and enterprises must meet during the 12th Five-Year Plan period (2011-15). Signatories are also obliged to complete a series of emission reduction projects within a designated time frame.

According to the projects listed for 2011-15, China will build at least 1,184 new sewage treatment plants that will be able to treat 45.7 million tons of sewage daily, and equip thermal power plants with a total generating capacity of 400 million kw with desulfurizing facilities.