News: US firms to sell clean-energy solutions to India, China

(IANS 14/04/2007) Washington - As the Indian and Chinese markets continue their rapid growth, 17 American companies embark on a mission from Apr 18 to 25 to offer the two countries innovative solutions to their energy needs.

The mission will aim to match US companies with opportunities in these fast-growing markets, where American clean technology goods and services can help improve the environment, US Commerce Assistant Secretary David Bohigian announced Friday.

"The companies participating in the Clean-Energy Technologies Trade Mission range from startups to multi-billion dollar enterprises," said Bohigian.

"As the Chinese and Indian markets continue their rapid growth, they will encounter unprecedented energy and environmental challenges. US companies of all sizes have an opportunity to take a leadership role in providing innovative solutions to energy needs in an environmentally responsible way," he said.

The 17 high-technology US companies specialise in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean coal and distributed generation sectors, Bohigian said.

They represent innovative solutions to China's and India's energy and environmental challenges and are potential partners to the countries' business and government leaders. The companies range in size from fewer than five employees to thousands of employees.

All companies belong to industries promoted by the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (APP). The APP is a Presidential initiative to achieve a reduction in the intensity of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security, in the context of sustained economic growth.

The APP is a public-private partnership including six partner countries, representing half of the world's economy, population and energy consumption: Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and the United States.

Member countries work together to break down policy barriers and facilitate commercial deployment of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security.