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For Immediate Release: June 24, 2011
Contact: Mary Trupo (202) 482-3809
United States Aims to be Global Leader in Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology
Under Secretary Sánchez Highlights Efforts to Expand Smart Grid, Renewable Energy
STANFORD, Calif. – Francisco Sánchez, Commerce Under Secretary for International Trade emphasized the importance of investment in the development of innovative and cutting edge technology during keynote remarks today at the 2011 Silicon Valley Energy Summit at Stanford University. He focused on clean energy as a high-growth $6 trillion industry in the global energy market.
“The $90 billion investment of President Obama’s Recovery Act was the single largest investment in clean energy in our nation’s history,” said Sánchez. “These critical investments have put the United States on a path to double clean energy generation from 2008 levels by 2012.”
Sánchez outlined the Obama administration and Department of Commerce policies and programs designed to position the United States as the global leader of clean energy and energy efficiency technologies. Two key topics emphasized were Smart Grid technology and implementation of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative.
“Developing a smart grid is a top priority of the Administration, and the Departments of Commerce and Energy are cooperating closely to make this a reality,” said Sánchez. “The Recovery Act provided $11 billion in funds to create a 21st century electricity grid, which will bring renewable energy to consumers around the country and give Americans greater control over their energy usage.”
In December, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative that focuses resources from eight U.S. Government agencies on meeting the exporting needs of this important industry sector.
The largest potential markets for clean energy technologies lies outside the United States. Global investment in clean energy reached $243 billion in 2010 and is expected be much higher this year.
During the past three years, the International Trade Administration has organized nearly 600 activities in clean energy and energy efficiency, including 90 trade shows and events in a single year. More than one quarter of trade missions last year included a clean energy focus.
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International Trade Administration
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