As a sign of increasing energy cooperation between China and the United States, State Nuclear Power Technology Corp Ltd has plans to develop new types of nuclear reactors with US-based Westinghouse Electric Co. [Photo / China Daily]

BEIJING - China and the United States, the world's two biggest energy consumers, are seeking to expand cooperation on clean energy. The latest area of interest, according to experts, is energy-saving infrastructure.

Several Chinese companies are studying the feasibility of investing in energy-saving infrastructure, such as high-speed railways and intelligent electric grid networks, in the United States, said Wang Boyong, executive deputy secretary-general of the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy.

"Such infrastructure projects can help diversify China's overseas investments and take advantage of the country's advanced solutions in such sectors," Wang said.

"At the same time, they have great potential to offer more job opportunities in the United States," he added.

The second strategic forum on US-China Energy Cooperation will be held in Washington on Jan 18 and 19. The forum is organised by the institute and the Brookings Institution.

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China Investment Corporation, a sovereign wealth fund responsible for managing part of the nation's foreign exchange reserves, will attend the meeting to discuss possible infrastructure projects with governors from different US states, Wang said. China and the US are expected to sign a number of agreements relating to clean-energy cooperation during the forum.

The Chinese companies involved include Shenhua Group, State Nuclear Power Technology Corp Ltd and China Guodian Corp.

Guo Hongbo, a senior manager of State Nuclear Power Technology, said the company expects to further its cooperation with Westinghouse Electric Co.

The two companies plan to develop new types of reactors that will be based on Westinghouse's existing AP1000 design, Guo said.

Zhou Dadi, former director of the energy research institute of the National Development and Reform Commission, said China and the United States have great potential for cooperation in sectors such as nuclear, renewable energy and clean coal.

Zhou called on the US government to lift the restrictions on clean-energy technologies that have no military application in order to help foster cooperation.