TAIYUAN -- The Fourth China (Taiyuan) International Energy Industry Expo kicked off Sunday in Taiyuan, capital of coal-rich Shanxi Province, to discuss the latest trends in China's energy industries.

Some 30,000 people, including representatives from 137 companies from 18 countries and regions, are expected to attend the expo, which will feature demonstrations of industry breakthroughs in the fields of coal and coalbed gas, water, electricity, natural gas and new energies.

Running under a theme of "green energy and transformation," the three-day event will also allow Shanxi, designated as a pilot zone for energy transformation in 2010, to showcase its latest developments in diversifying its resource-based industry structure.

This year's exhibition areas will cover 36,000 square meters.

Displays of large-scale models and new technologies, as well as energy-saving equipment, are the focus of this year's exhibition.

Forums and conventions will also be held, during which experts, company heads and government officials will discuss the latest trends in the energy industry.