Hawai’i Launches Clean Energy Partnership with China

MOU signing and 2012 Asia Pacific Clean Energy summit and expo. Photo courtesy office of the governor, State of Hawai’i.

By Wendy Osher

Hawai’i is partnering with China to launch a clean energy investment and deployment program in the state.

The program sets up a process where clean energy investors and developers from China are referred to the Hawai’i State Energy Office.

State officials then work to facilitate matchmaking with Hawai’i clean energy partners that are in need of capital or development partners.

The memorandum of understanding was signed today at the 4th Annual Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo at the Hawai’i Convention Center.  Signing the document were Governor Neil Abercromie and Secretary General Xu Hubin of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Today’s ceremony follows a letter of intent signed by the governor last November at the Hawai’i-China Forum at APEC.

“That spirit of collaboration initiated during APEC continues today with a common goal,” said Governor Abercrombie in a statement today. “Hawai’i’s expansive mix of renewable energy resources, coupled with our aggressive approach to achieve energy sufficiency, is attracting­ these kinds of global partnerships for clean energy research, development and deployment,” he said.

“The MOU that sets our program with CCPIT will create an efficient process for foreign investors and developers to partner with clean energy companies here is Hawai’i leading to the economic growth of our state,” said Richard Lim, director of the Hawai’i Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism.

Companies in Hawai’i that are interested in participating in the matchmaking process are invited to register online via the state’s energy office at: energy.hawaii.gov/developer-investor.

***Supporting information courtesy: State of Hawai’i, Office of the Governor.