THE CHINA CHALLENGE IN SUN AND WIND

China pushes solar, wind power development
Julie Schmit, November 16, 2009 (USA Today)

"…China leads the world in making solar cells, the key component in solar panels, many of which are exported to the U.S…But China is setting itself up to do more than just manufacture components for renewable energy, such as wind and solar. It's also spending heavily to build its own domestic market as it attempts to battle its greenhouse gas emissions, electrify its nation of 1.3 billion people and curb its massive pollution problem.

"The buildup of a huge market in China for renewable energy is luring global manufacturers and research teams to China, energy executives say. That's causing concern in some corners that China – not the U.S. – will emerge as the hub of the new industries, leaving the U.S. as dependent on foreign nations for solar panels, wind turbines and other green-energy equipment and technology as it is on the Mideast for oil…"

NewEnergyNews challenge #1: Spot the trend. (click to enlarge)

"…[T]he U.S. hasn't been as clear or as determined as China…[according to] Energy Secretary Steven Chu…While China spends about $9 billion a month on clean energy development, the U.S. [is falling behind]…[T]he world's largest turbine-making company is headquartered in Denmark…99% of batteries for America's hybrid cars are made in Japan….[and] the U.S. has lost most of its solar cell manufacturing industry…Although Chu said he remained confident…China is shaping up as a formidable competitor.

"China's government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, which is scheduled to account for 15% of its fuel by 2020…The U.S. has no national target. Two dozen states have their own – some more aggressive than China's – but they don't carry the cachet of a national standard, says Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association. That has hindered the U.S. in attracting wind manufacturers and investments, she says…"

NewEnergyNews challenge #2: Spot the trend. (click to enlarge)

"Already, China has made rapid gains in building up its domestic renewable-energy industries…This year, it's expected to install more new wind-generation capacity than any other country, a spot occupied by the U.S. last year…By 2013, China is expected to become the world's biggest producer of wind energy…Recently, it eclipsed everyone in wind-turbine-making capacity…

"China is muscling up on solar, too. Within five years, it's expected to be the No. 1 solar market…Once [China’s] central government decides on a policy, it can execute quickly through the nation's handful of state-owned utilities…In the U.S., there are thousands of electric utilities and a barrage of regulatory and environmental hurdles to starting new projects...[U.S. companies have] stepped up profiles and investments in China…The U.S., under the Obama administration, has stepped up its renewable energy investments….[It is possible the] isn't too late…"