The Chinese Academy of Science is working towards making solar energy an important energy source in China by 2050.

It has initiated a three-stage action plan with targets in 2015, 2025 and 2035 when solar energy is to be use on a large scale, according to a meeting of the academy on Tuesday in Beijing to set 2009's objectives.

The academy will research the key steps for transferring and usage of solar energy, Xinhua News Agency reported on Wednesday.

Solar energy cannot currently compete with traditional energies because of its high cost.

(Shanghai Daily January 14, 2009)