The US and China are thinking green — in terms of business and the environment.
Last month, the US-China Green Energy Council held its second US-China Green Energy Conference in Palo Alto, California. Distinguished speakers and panelists from industry, research and government in both the US and China addressed several hot topics: green building/eco-cities development, transportation/electric vehicles, smart grid, renewable energy updates.
Several featured guests, including Commissioner Dian Grueneich of the California Public Utilities Commission and Congressman Mike Honda (D- CA), emphasized the significance of collaboration between Californians and China in working towards a greener future.
Commissioner Grueneich provided the attendees an update of recent California developments affecting renewable portfolio targets. She also highlighted her strong support of national renewable standards in the U.S. to provide clear-cut goals on renewable power, and described the considerable progress made by the Commission on energy efficiency programs, as well as the need for common approaches to measuring savings from energy efficiency and improved benchmarking for energy savings. Steve Malnight, of Pacific Gas and Electric, shared the challenges involved in meeting renewable target mandates, especially in transmission and infrastructure development.
Smart Grid technology presents another key opportunity for collaboration between China and the US in the green energy industry. Xiaomin Bai of the China Electric Power Research Institute addressed China’s growing electricity infrastructure demands, and the possibility of nationwide smart electric grid implementation by 2020. John Skinner of Intel, and Jack McCall of American Superconductor, provided insight on how advances in smart grid technology can increase grid efficiency and effectiveness.
In addition to smart grid and renewable energy mandates, the conference provided a glimpse into a possible future of eco-cities, cities designed to minimize carbon outputs and maximize sustainability. Langfang, China would be a city to watch, as it attempts to transform itself into such an eco-city. Representatives from industry and municipal transportation spoke to progress made and challenges faced in improving public transit in the Bay area.
This timely conference was a step forward in forging real ties between entrepreneurial, forward-looking green-tech enthusiasts from both the US and China.
