
In a recent interview with EnergyNOW! TV, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu conceded the United States is struggling to keep up with China in green energy development, but he said the country can position itself as the global clean power leader within 10 to 20 years.
Chu said China poses a "threat" in the green energy race because its government acknowledges man-made climate change is a scientific fact and must be addressed, and is seeking to develop a variety of renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar, high-voltage transmission, clean fossil fuels and nuclear.
To compete with China, Chu contended the United States needs to keep investing in research and development to drive down the cost of green energy. He praised the solar industry's success on this front, saying the price of solar power has dropped 50 percent in the last six years and will continue to go down by as much as 70 percent, which will bring it in line with the cost of fossil fuels.
On the subject of government subsidies for green energy, Chu pointed out that oil and gas have been subsidized for nearly a century. He said renewable power subsidies could be phased out within 10 to 15 years.
With a score of 67, the United States ranked second on a recent Ernst & Young index of the most attractive worldwide renewable energy markets. China came in at No. 1 with a score of 71.

