Washington (Platts)--12Dec2007
The US and China have signed a memorandum of understanding in Beijing to
expand cooperation on biofuels production and use.
The MOU, signed Tuesday, encourages cooperation in biomass and feedstock
production and sustainability; conversion technology and engineering;
bio-based product development and utilization standards; and rural and
agricultural development strategies.
China is the world's third largest ethanol producer behind the US and
Brazil. It is the first Asian country to sign a biofuels agreement with the US
to accelerate the development of second generation (non corn-based) biofuels.
US Deputy Energy Secretary Clay Sell signed the MOU with Zhang Xiaoqiang,
vice chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission. The
signing was held in advance of the third US-China Strategic Economic Dialogue
that opened today.
"The US and China face similar challenges to meet rapidly increasing
energy demand, and through our joint efforts, we are partnering to maximize
our nation's resources and expertise as well as increase energy security,
confront climate change and promote economic growth," Sell said.
The US is the largest consumer and producer of vehicles in the world. In
2006, China became the second largest consumer and third largest producer.
China currently has 31 million passenger cars on the road, and is projected to
have about 200 million passenger cars in 20 years.
--Gerald Karey, gerry_karey@platts.com
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