Business leaders from China and the United States will gather in Shanghai today to discuss opportunities for collaboration on renewable and clean energy at the US-China Green Tech Summit.

The two-day event, jointly organized by the San Francisco-Silicon Valley Bay Area Council and Yangtze Council, will focus on short-term energy efficiency and long-range carbon-neutral energy sources, and will discuss such topics as green buildings and advanced materials, the impact of clean technology on the utility industry and financing.

US Senator Dianne Feinstein, who will chair the summit, said: "The development of sustainable energy is one of the most important challenges facing both the US and China. Together, our two nations have the greatest potential, and the greatest responsibility, to develop and implement sustainable solutions."

Mark Edmunds, regional partner with consultancy firm Deloitte, said: "We can expect the next killer application in clean tech - such as breakthrough technologies in batteries, renewable energy or building materials - to emerge from the collaboration of the SF Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta."

Dian Grueneich, California's public utility commissioner, said given his work with the private sector to achieve zero carbon output for all new commercial buildings by 2030, he is eager to exchange information with China and discuss areas for cooperation.

About 450 delegates are expected to attend the forum, including government leaders, company executives, energy experts and investors.

(China Daily November 13, 2008)