Windmills in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan State, India.

( iStockphoto.com/Roger Van Bulek)

Clean-energy technologies include renewable resources, such as solar, wind, and biofuels; hybrid and cogeneration; and energy-efficiency technologies (see sidebar). They often produce energy using no fuel or less fuel than conventional sources, and unlike fossil fuels, they are not depleted over time. In 2007, according to New Energy Finance, a renewable energy consultancy, more that $100 billion was invested worldwide in those technologies, with billions more expected to be invested during the next several years.

Commerce Department Commitment

The clean-energy sector has become an exciting investment opportunity for firms looking to penetrate new markets, particularly China and India. The Department of Commerce, through its Office of Energy and Environmental Industries, is committed to turning those opportunities into a reality for U.S companies.

The department recently underwrote two comprehensive studies about the clean-energy markets in those two countries, Clean Energy: An Exporters Guide to China and Clean Energy: An Exporters Guide to India . The reports offer U.S. exporters information regarding the potential for clean-energy development, as well as a detailed look at the regulatory policies and trade barriers.

Chinese Demand Outstrips Supply

The opportunities for U.S. firms entering the Chinese clean-energy market have grown tremendously during the past several years. The reasons include Chinas developing market economy, increasing concerns over energy security, and mounting environmental pressures. In 2007, more than $12 billion was invested in clean energy throughout China, including investments in clean-coal technologies, wind and solar power, biomass, and energy-efficiency improvements.

Since the start of its open-door and reform policies in 1978, China has experienced consistent economic growth, averaging 9.5 percent annually. For most of that time, energy demand grew 5 percent per year. But in the past seven years, China has seen a surge in energy-intensive heavy industries. According to Chinas National Bureau of Statistics, the countrys current energy demand growth has increased to 9.3 percent per year, with similar annual increases expected to 2020.

Although Chinas energy resources are substantial, the intense demand for energy has outstripped the countrys ability to produce it. The government has responded with new policies that mandate renewable energy and energy-efficiency investments. U.S. firms with expertise in those areas will find tremendous market opportunities. In fact, China is predicted to surpass the United States as the largest energy consumer soon after 2010.

Indian Market Growing 25 Percent

Opportunities for U.S. firms in India are numerous, thanks to growing energy demand and the governments warm response to clean-energy development. The market for clean-energy technologies is estimated at more than $600 million, and it is growing at an annual rate of 25 percent.

India is rich in potential energy resources, which provide opportunities across a wide spectrum of renewable technologies. In particular, wind energy is expected to increase substantially in the coming decades, from more than 7,000 megawatts of installed power in 2007 to 45,000 megawatts by 2030. According to Indias integrated energy policy, the power sector will need to add 150,000 megawatts of additional power by 2030 to sustain the 8 percent gross domestic product growth rate that the country has experienced recently. Ten percent of this new power is expected to come from renewable sources.

September Trade Mission

The Department of Commerces strategy to help U.S. industry enter the Chinese and Indian markets also includes a series of clean-energy and environment trade missions. The third mission is scheduled for September 112, 2008, and will be led by David Bohigian, assistant secretary of commerce for market access and compliance.

The trade mission will take U.S. companies to Beijing, Jinan, and Shanghai in China and to New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai in India. Participants will meet with potential partners, agents, distributors, licensees, and retailers who have been prescreened by the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service. Participants will also engage in high-level discussions with national and subnational government officials and will have the opportunity to attend networking events, country briefings, and site visits.

Past Successes

The previous two clean-energy and environment trade missions were extremely successful in helping U.S. companies make important contacts and gain market access. AzurePower, for example, signed an agreement to establish a 2-megawatt, grid-connected solar plant in India after it participated in the second trade mission in January 2008. (See February 2008 issue of International Trade Update .) Other participating companies have met with similar successes, including Eaton Industrial Products and Capstone Turbines, which have found captive markets for their products.

As Chinese and Indian economies expand, the need for clean, sustainable energy grows, noted Bohigian. U.S. businesses produce the worlds most innovative clean-energy technology, which can help ensure a reliable and secure source of renewable energy in these countries, as well as create jobs and economic opportunity here at home.

Ryan Mulholland is an international trade specialist with the International Trade Administrations Office of Energy and Environmental Industries.