In order to strengthen the two countries’ cooperation on renewable energy and energy efficiency, President Barack Obama and China’s President Hu Jintao have agreed to cooperate in organizing several programs and initiatives.

One of the key programs is to establish a U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center, through an investment of $150 million in public and private funds over the next five years. The new centre will provide opportunities for joint research and development of clean energy technologies by scientists from both countries.

However, some problems have been perceived associated with the transfer of technology from the U.S. to China.

According to reports, Beijing’s list of supplies includes salt-resistant materials for offshore wind farms, hi-tech components for large wind turbines, smart-grid control systems and more efficient pumps for nuclear reactors.

There are still some hurdles that have to be resolve such as how to compensate the private sector and how to remove trade restrictions on items that the U.S. does not want to give to China due to competitive advantage.

The two leaders also disclosed a U.S.-China Electric Vehicles Initiative, which comprises of developing joint standards, building demonstration projects in several cities, creating technical roadmaps, and carrying out public education projects.

Other combined projects will include renewable energy, smart grids, clean transportation, green buildings, combined heat and power, energy efficiency, and clean coal.