Hawaii and China to partner in clean energy

Hawaiian Governor Neil Abercrombie and Secretary General Xu Hubin of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade have signed an agreement to jointly pursue clean energy projects.

The agreement will identify Chinese and Hawaiian firms dedicated to clean energy that are seeking economic opportunities and development in Hawaii.

The agreement sets up a process where clean energy investors and developers from China are referred to the Hawaii State Energy Office. State officials then work to facilitate matchmaking with Hawaiian clean energy partners that are in need of capital or development partners.

Companies in Hawaii that are interested in participating in the matchmaking process are invited to register online via the state’s energy office.

The next step will see Hawaii actively assist Chinese investors in linking Hawaii firms and uncovering clean energy opportunities for Chinese investors. Hawaii expects substantial investments from the Chinese.

The signing of the document follows a letter of intent signed by the governor in November 2011 at the Hawaii-China Forum at APEC.