1 March 2010
Clean-tech: let battle commence
The struggle for leadership in clean-energy technology pitches the ingenuity and know-how of Silicon Valley against the industrial might of China, writes Conal Walsh
CAN THE home of cheap gasoline, interstate highways and General Motors really do clean technology? While US stock exchanges prepare once again for a raft of initial public offerings (IPOs) from companies working in alternative fuels and energy conservation, some investors believe the smart money has already migrated to China. The US is only a recent convert to climate-change action, but the government in Beijing has placed renewable energy at the heart of its industrial policy, with the aim of selling its expertise to the rest of the world. It's just another area in which the two powers look set to compete for dominance in the 21st century, potentially pitching the know-how and ingenuity of
Also in this section
28 November 2025
The launch of the bloc’s emissions trading system in 2005 was a pioneering step, but as the scheme hits 21 its impact as a driver of decarbonisation is still open to debate
18 November 2025
Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dewhurst Award, the highest honour bestowed by WPC Energy. The Dewhurst Award celebrates exceptional leadership, groundbreaking innovation and a lifetime of significant achievements in sup-port of the development and advancement of the energy industry.
11 November 2025
Transition policies must recognise that significant industrial demand for carbon will continue even as economies hit net zero
6 November 2025
After years of pursuing ideologically driven climate leadership, Western powers are now stepping back under mounting political pressure and rising populist opposition—prompting concern essential climate action could be sidelined






