(Yicai Global) Dec. 29 -- Beijing Shouhang IHW Resources Saving Technology Co. [SHE:002665] will partner with Electricite De France, better known as EDF, to develop solar-thermal power generation technology in China. The firm signed a framework agreement on technical cooperation with EDF (China) Investment Co. yesterday, which will help it develop new technologies in solar-thermal energy field.

Shouhang IHW will sign a formal cooperation document two months later, the solar technology development company said in a statement today. The two sides will work together to build a demonstrative experimental cycle based on 'Supercritical CO2-Brayton Cycle' technology with solar thermal as heat source, and will conduct further research and development on related technologies.

The technology uses carbon dioxide as the working medium, presenting a higher thermoelectric conversion rate than that of conventional steam turbines. As water is not used in the process, it can significantly reduce operation costs, which makes it applicable in deserts and water-deficient areas, the statement added.

Both sides also intend to develop concentrated solar power technology based on the one adopted in the 10MWe molten salt tower solar-thermal power station in Dunhuang, the nortwestern Gansu province, which is run by Shouhang IHW Resources, and improve relevant equipment through research and development.

The bilateral cooperation will help Shouhang develop new technology in solar-thermal power generation, reduce project costs and adapt the technology for wider usage, the statement added.