US, China announce plans for a joint clean energy research center

The United States and China, the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitters, announced plans for a joint clean energy research center, raising hopes of better cooperation in what is becoming an increasingly competitive industry. With initial financing of US$15 million and headquarters in both countries, the center will focus on clean coal, building efficiency, and clean vehicles, said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu. As a research clearinghouse for scientists, it can also highlight potential U.S.-Chinese cooperation in an industry that Washington says could create thousands of jobs. The research center is an effort at compromise between the two governments, which disagree on whether China should join richer nations in adopting binding emissions-reduction targets. (July 16, 2009)