Sichuan Province has officially issued a set of measures aimed at promoting the development of high-end energy equipment industrial chains. The policy focuses on four key areas: fostering original technology development, supporting breakthroughs in flagship products, building a robust industrial ecosystem, and encouraging market application. A total of 14 specific measures have been introduced, backed by substantial financial support, to elevate the industry to a world-class cluster level.
To build a world-class industrial cluster, mastering core technologies is essential. The policy states that Sichuan will support enterprises, universities, and research institutes in making key technological breakthroughs, particularly in areas such as high-pressure control for deep wells, advanced risk perception and management for multi-target drilling, and marine wave compensation control. To facilitate the transition of research outcomes from the laboratory to production lines, a "two-way challenge and contract" mechanism will be implemented. This supports companies seeking technology and research results seeking markets. Eligible projects under this mechanism can receive funding support of up to 40% of the project contract value, with a maximum support amount of 20 million yuan per project. Additionally, Sichuan will support the establishment of manufacturing innovation centers and platforms for pilot testing and inspection by enterprises and research institutions. It will also encourage the creation of high-end energy equipment industrial chain think tanks, which will release an annual development white paper.
In terms of product breakthroughs, Sichuan will support companies in developing flagship products such as high-head impact hydroelectric generating units and high-power offshore wind turbines. Support will be provided at 30% of the project investment, up to a maximum of 20 million yuan. Enterprises, universities, and innovation consortia undertaking national major science and technology projects will receive matching support according to national requirements. To address critical bottlenecks, the policy emphasizes overcoming core component shortages, advanced foundational processes, key materials, and basic industrial technologies. Projects in these areas will receive 30% financial support based on investment. For projects tackling critical common technologies and "bottleneck" issues, the support ratio increases to 50%, with a maximum of 10 million yuan per project.
A comprehensive set of measures has been introduced to foster a favorable industrial ecosystem. Financially, the province will leverage its advanced manufacturing fund and a dedicated sub-fund for high-end energy equipment to attract various types of capital for technological breakthroughs. For technical transformation projects, including overall production line upgrades, environmental upgrades, and safety improvements, enterprises can receive subsidies of up to 15%, capped at 20 million yuan per project. To support digital transformation, funding of up to 20% of equipment and software investment is available for projects related to smart upgrades, digitalization, and industrial chain integration, with a maximum support of 20 million yuan per project. Furthermore, new growth areas such as smart grids and medium-to-large gas turbines will be cultivated, with selected industries receiving up to 20 million yuan in support. The development of national advanced manufacturing clusters will be prioritized as a key strategy.
To ensure market adoption of new technologies, the policy removes barriers for the first set of major technical equipment. Sichuan will compile a provincial catalog for promoting first-set applications and certify eligible products for policy support. It will also assist companies in getting their innovative products included in the national catalog to qualify for national insurance subsidies. Crucially, first-set products will enjoy equal participation in tenders. When bidding for projects where state-owned funds hold a controlling or dominant stake, submitting proof of first-set certification will suffice to meet market share and performance requirements. For insured products, users are generally exempt from collecting quality bonds. Additionally, Sichuan will support the organization of supply-demand matchmaking events and industry conferences, and facilitate company participation in domestic and international exhibitions to help expand market reach.
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