German engineering giant Siemens has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Guangzhou to conduct a joint sustainability study on the city' s urban development.

The study, which is Siemens' first in-depth city-wide sustainability research program in China, aims at providing specific technology benefits and recommendations to the local government on how to improve energy efficiency and protect the environment in terms of energy supply, buildings, transportation, and industry.

According to the MoU, Siemens will be analyzing the data provided by the institute to assess the current energy consumption levels of different sectors and then forecast their development and demands over the next five to ten years according to the relevant government plans. By matching these demands with the low carbon technologies currently available and measuring them against successful international practices, Siemens will calculate the potential for making energy savings Guangzhou.

As a co-researcher the institute will play an active role in mapping out the study methodology with Siemens and verifying the findings and results to ensure the high credibility and independence of the work. The research report is planned to be completed by end of this 2010.

According to Yao Zhenguo, the senior vice president of Siemens Limited, China and general manager of its Fossil Power Generation Division, Energy Sector, the study will become an important part of the world-wide attempt to help industrialized cities get unbiased overviews of their energy consumption levels.