US, China to Cooperate on Climate Change & Energy
Global Clean Energy Investment Nearly Doubles in Q2
DOE-Funded Clean Energy Research Projects Win 19 R&D 100 Awards
DOE, USDA to Award $6.3M for Biofuels Research
DOE Awards $54M for State Energy Programs in 4 States
"Cash for Clunkers" Program Gets Rolling
Editor's Note: DOE and the Bureau of Land Management extended the public comment period on solar energy study areas until September 14. See our recent article, the BLM press release on the extension, and the website for the Solar Energy Development Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement.
We also updated two recent stories on wind power and geothermal heat pumps to include detailed information on Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs).
US and China to Cooperate on Climate Change & Energy
The US and China signed an agreement on Tuesday to enhance cooperation between on climate change, energy, and the environment. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) elevates climate change in their relationship, committing them to reach an international agreement that addresses the problem. The MOU also expands cooperation between the two countries to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon global economy.
Specifically, it lays the foundation for expanded cooperation in combating climate change and developing and promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, smart grid technologies, electric vehicles, and other energy technologies. Under the MOU, the US and China will establish an ongoing dialogue on what they are doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to advance international climate negotiations in preparation for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this December. The MOU was one of the results of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which was held in Washington, D.C., on Monday and Tuesday.
"Both of our countries understand the importance of clean energy for our economies and for our security," remarked Energy Secretary Steven Chu at the signing ceremony. "Both of us understand the imperative of fighting climate change. What the U.S. and China do in the coming decades will help shape the fate of the world. I'm heartened by the progress we are making. Under President Obama's leadership, the United States has invested billions of dollars in clean energy and has taken bold steps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our vehicles.
"In recent years, China has taken impressive steps to improve energy efficiency, deploy renewable energy, and invest in clean energy technologies. Both our countries, however, must do more. And that's why today's agreement is so important. Today's agreement should send a clear signal that the United States and China are ready to work together on clean energy and climate change. It sets the stage for what I hope will be many years of close cooperation." See the MOU, the remarks at the signing ceremony, and the joint press release on the first round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue.
Global Clean Energy Investment Nearly Doubles in Second Quarter
Global investments in clean energy rallied in the second quarter (Q2) of 2009, reaching $24.3 billion, according to New Energy Finance. Q2 investments were 83% higher than the first quarter, which only totaled $13.3 billion, but were below that of Q208, which was $36.2 billion.
The research firm attributes most of the gain to increased investment in renewable energy facilities, such as wind and solar plants, as well as successful stock offerings from major renewable energy companies like Vestas, SunPower, and Suntech.
Venture capital and private equity investment remains relatively low, at $1.4 billion. Unfortunately, clean energy investments remained weak in the US, with financing of renewable energy projects at only $1.6 billion, down two-thirds from Q208. See the press release from New Energy Finance (PDF 20 KB).
