For more than half a century, concerns about oil shortages or a damaged climate have spurred governments to invest in alternative energy sources.
In the 1970s, President Jimmy Carter placed solar panels on the roof of the White House as a symbol of his commitment to developing energy from the sun.
And in the 2000s, Germany developed an innovative program that guaranteed consumers who adopted a solar energy system that they would sell their electricity at a profit.
Hoping to correct past missteps on industrial policy and learn from China’s successes, they are spending huge amounts on subsidizing homegrown companies while also seeking to block competing Chinese products.
They have made modest inroads: Last year, the energy agency said, China’s share of new clean-energy factory investment fell to 75 percent.
Persons:
Jimmy Carter
Organizations:
International Energy Agency
Locations:
Japan, Germany, Beijing, United States, Europe