A recent survey of US green industry leaders was conducted by law firm Cooley LLP. The subject of the survey was to gather and analyse the varied perspectives and opinions on the Chinese presence in the international market.
China's rapidly growing population and energy needs, coupled with its government-supported growth in the global renewable energy market, pose both an opportunity and a threat for U.S. clean energy and technology companies, seemed to emerge as the common opinion.
Nearly 90 percent of the 126 respondents believe that China's support of clean energy and technology ventures will have a significant impact on U.S. clean tech companies and investors. However, attitudes towards China were split: 53 percent believe the market opportunity in China outweighs the challenges it presents in terms of increased competition, while 47 percent believe competition from China outweighs the opportunity for potential market growth.
Although China is considered a threat by many, only 10 percent of respondents listed international competition as the greatest challenge they face. For 68 percent, financing remains by far the largest area of concern.
Despite the probability of increased competition from China, U.S. clean energy and technology companies see nearly equal opportunity for domestic and international growth. When asked where they believed the potential for market and sales growth is greater, 51 percent said domestically (U.S.) and 49 percent said internationally.
Respondents were then asked to choose the top three initiatives the U.S. government needs to support in order to ensure that the Unites States remains competitive in the clean energy space over the next ten years. Creating energy-related legislative mandates and increasing the availability of tax credits and incentives emerged as clear favourites, with 84 percent and 81 percent, respectively. A more competitive trade policy came in a distant third, chosen by fewer than half - 45 percent - of respondents.
Opinions on the effect of the Federal stimulus plan had overall on the clean energy sector, was also sought. Mixed results emerged: 54 percent believed the stimulus has had a moderate impact, while 31 percent believe it had little or no effect. Fewer than 10 percent of respondents felt that the stimulus plan had made a major impact on the growth of the U.S. clean energy market.