China and the United States have agreed to work together on research into advanced solar energy technologies.

The Institute of Electrical Engineering (IEE) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which is affiliated with the Department of Energy, signed a memorandum of understanding over the weekend.

Under the pact, they'll share research on photovoltaic (PV) power generation technologies.

One facet of collaboration, IEE director Xiao Liye said, will be a sophisticated PV cell and module test center, probably in Beijing. The program also includes research data sharing, personnel exchanges and battery-related efforts, Xiao said.

Dan Arvizu, head of the NREL, said he hoped to extend cooperation in line with the common interests of both countries.

IEE is a national facility that carries out high-technology research and development.

NREL focuses on solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydrogen energy and fuel cell research.

(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2008)