Chair of California Energy Commission David Hochschild delivers a speech at the Green Innovation and Sustainable Development Forum in San Francisco, the United States, on Nov. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Tan Jingjing)

"China deserves a lot of credit for being the largest market and manufacturer for solar wind and batteries, and especially, offshore wind," says David Hochschild. 

by Xinhua writers Tan Jingjing, Xing Yue

The U.S. state of California is committed to stronger cooperation with China in addressing climate change, Chair of California Energy Commission David Hochschild said.

California's links with China are the "most exciting nexus" in the world, for the combination of what is possible to innovate and to scale, Hochschild told Xinhua in an interview on Monday.

There is huge potential for stronger climate change cooperation between the Golden State and China, he told Xinhua on the sidelines of a green energy forum during APEC Leaders' Week 2023, which is held in San Francisco from Nov. 11 to 17 with the theme of "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All."

Hochschild accompanied California Governor Gavin Newsom on a weeklong visit to China in October.

The trip was a historic opportunity to advance climate action and collaboration, promote economic development and tourism, and strengthen cultural ties and combat anti-Asian hate, according to the governor's office.

Staff members work at the construction site of a one million kilowatts photovoltaic project in Gonghe County of Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

Hochschild spoke highly of China's efforts in addressing climate change and promoting renewable energy.

"China deserves a lot of credit for being the largest market and manufacturer for solar wind and batteries, and especially, offshore wind," Hochschild told Xinhua.

About 50 percent of the global offshore wind capacity has been built by China, he said, adding that the country has done fantastic work in electric vehicle deployment, solar, and offshore wind.

"That's incredibly inspiring," he noted.

"We have to extend the hand of friendship and collaboration no matter what else is going on. That was the purpose of our trip over there. And the governor is really committed to that," Hochschild said.

Photo taken on June 4, 2011 shows the solar panels on the roof of Dr. Hao-Lin Chen's house in Lafayette, California, the United States. (Xinhua/Wu Kaixiang)

California plays a leading role in advancing first-of-kind policies and regulations for decarbonization and clean energy transition, and implementing innovative technologies and best available solutions into practice.

Hochschild stressed that there is huge potential for stronger climate change cooperation between the Golden State and China.

California has done several "the world's first" new energy projects, including utility-scale solar and wind projects, rooftop solar systems, energy storage project and electric car, according to Hochschild.

"China has taken that to a new level, and doing their own innovation," he added. "We have to work together on climate."

"I really believe that a rising tide can lift all boats. We can have really robust battery manufacturing, economic growth related to climate solutions here and in China," Hochschild said.