Pyongyang, October 9 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, provided field guidance to the newly built Solar Equipment Center.

The center built in a picturesque place in Mangyongdae area is a modern base specializing in the development, production and supply of solar energy equipment.

Going round the solar water heater production base ready to go operational and the main building and other places of the center, he learned about its construction, technical specifications of equipment and prospect of their production.

Watching solar water heaters produced on a trial basis, he said that their mechanism is simple and very high in heat-accumulating capacity. He noted with pleasure if these heaters are installed in dwelling houses and public buildings, this will make it possible to solve the issue of heating buildings and help people use hot water all the year round.

Going round inside and outside of the main building constructed in such a way as to ensure heating, lighting and the supply of industrial water by use of solar water heater, wind power generator and rainwater-collecting tank, he highly appreciated the exceptional creative spirit displayed by officials and employees of the center in the successful construction of the energy-saving building on the basis of latest science and technology.

He set forth tasks to be carried out by the center.

He called on the center to actively develop and use renewable energy such as solar heat.

What is important is to conduct brisk activities to mass-produce solar water heaters and supply them on the basis of the existing production foundations, he added.

He noted that in order to bring about a fresh turn in the development, production and supply of solar energy equipment it is necessary to firmly establish Juche in scientific research, introduce latest science and technology and closely combine research with production.

He underlined the need for the relevant units to provide ample conditions for the production and supply of solar water heaters and pay deep attention to the living of researchers and employees.

He was accompanied by Jang Song Thaek, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK and vice-chairman of the NDC, Pak To Chun, alternate member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the C.C, the WPK, and Ju Kyu Chang, alternate member of the Political Bureau and department director of the C.C., the WPK.