Tuesday 6 December 2010. The Green Piece Column.
Sweeping overstatement or accurate assessment? US Energy Secretary Steven Chu has claimed that America is facing a “Sputnik” moment because it has fallen so far behind China in the clean energy race and in creating the jobs of the future (see article).
The original Sputnik moment occurred in 1957 when the Soviet Union placed its satellite into low orbit, therefore beating the US and its Project Vanguard into space. Now it appears that Chu is concerned that a similar mobilisation of innovation will be needed to jump start America in the area of clean energy or it risks being left far behind its rival. So is he right – who is really winning the clean energy race?
The argument for China
Chu has highlighted a number of key technologies in which the US is risking falling behind. These include:
- Advanced coal technologies: China is deploying supercritical and ultra-supercritical coal combustion plants that have fewer emissions and are more efficient than conventional coal burning plants because they burn coal at higher temperatures and pressures. A plant in Shanghai claims to be 45-48 per cent efficient, compared to the 40 per cent efficiency achieved by US plants.
- Green cars: China has drafted plans to put $17billion of central government funds into alternative energy vehicles including internal combustion engines with improved fuel economy, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles and fuel cells.
- High speed rail: Despite previously relying on other countries for its rail technology, China now offers the world’s fastest train and the world’s largest high speed train network. Train travel from Beijing to Shanghai has been slashed from 11 hours to just four hours.
- High voltage transmission: Already in deployment in China is the world’s first Ultra High Voltage AC and DC lines that are much more efficient and powerful than those in the US.
- Nuclear power: There are more than 30 nuclear power plants already under construction in China – this is more than any other country in the world.
- Renewable energy: Wind power is taking off at a faster rate in China than anywhere else in the world. It is now home to three of the world’s top 10 wind turbine manufacturers and 40 per cent of the world’s solar photovoltaic systems.
- Supercomputing: The Tianhe-1A is the world’s fastest supercomputer and it was developed by China’s National University of Defence Technology.
The argument for the USA
Despite China appearing to have advantages in a number of areas, as a developing nation it is still playing catch up with the US in many fields. For example, in supercomputing, where Chu points out that China is now offering faster technology, the US still has unrivalled expertise to advance technology and scientific research.
In the area of green cars, the US also has a massive advantage. Not only has it made similar commitments to green technologies as China going forward, but it already has several manufacturers with a huge global appeal such as General Motors and Ford. Their position in the marketplace is unlikely to be rivalled by any Chinese vehicle manufacturers for quite some time and they are already making inroads into greener technologies with vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and the Ford Focus Electric.
In addition, the US is also making some exciting research efforts of its own such as:
- 500mile electric vehicle batteries: Thanks to funding from the Recovery Act, Arizona-based Fluidic Energy is working with the state university to develop a new generation of high energy density metal-air batteries. Its approach involves the use of ionic liquids that could yield batteries that weigh less and cost less and could travel for 500miles without recharging.
- Solar fuels: The Energy Innovation Hub is working on an integrated system modelled on photosynthesis to turn sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into usable fuels such as petroleum.
Our verdict
At first glance it seemed like a typical political exaggeration for US Energy Secretary Steven Chu to claim that the US is facing a “Sputnik” like moment as it falls behind China in the clean energy race. However, closer examination suggests there might be some truth to his hyperbole.
It’s not so much that the US has fallen behind – it still has the advantage in a number of areas – but that China has had the foresight to throw huge amounts of research and resources into greener technologies that could offer it a significant advantage going forward.
With China already the world’s largest automotive market, the area of green cars is particularly noteworthy. The US has an established manufacturing base and key marquee brands that should ensure it remains ahead of its rival; however, with so many incentives offered in China, several companies, including Toyota (see article), Ford (see article) and Hyundai (see article) are expanding into the country.
So while China might not be the leader of the pack just yet, it is well positioned to make a dash for the front. The US may need to ramp up its own efforts and find a burst of (clean) energy to keep up the pace.
Faye Sunderland
