Clean energy chiefs target US windfall

By Du Juan and Wan Zhihong 

BEIJING - A group of business leaders from renewable energy companies will visit the United States, on a fact-finding trip, in the first half of 2011, a US commerce official said on Monday.

The executives, who will be discussing commercial opportunities as well as learning about the business environment, will have one-to-one talks with business leaders in industry and local government officials, said Bryan D. Larson, first secretary for Commercial Affairs of the US Department of Commerce.

"I believe the trip will help the Chinese companies immensely. They will get to know where their advantages are and how to start their business," he said.

Chinese renewable energy companies need to learn more about the business environment and regulations in the US, said Chinese energy officials.

A number of Chinese companies have expressed interest in investing in the US. However, they lack knowledge and experience of US business culture, said Wang Jun, director general at the New Energy and Renewable Energy Department of the National Energy Administration (NEA).

"US companies have invested in many renewable energy projects in China, but Chinese companies are still unfamiliar with the US market," Wang told an energy forum on Monday.

Relations involving clean energy between the countries have been far from smooth recently.

The US government said in October it would investigate China's clean energy policies, while China slammed the move as groundless and irresponsible.

Shi Lishan, deputy director at the NEA's new energy department, said Chinese companies need to establish a business with a US partner that reflects their companies' capabilities and advantages.

"For a Chinese firm to invest in the US renewable energy sector is like a rural migrant worker finding a job in the city. Some can find one while some cannot. Chinese companies need to learn more about US policies, laws, regulations and industry rules to become strong players," said Shi.