The "clean-energy technologies trade mission" in April will be lead by US Commerce Assistant Secretary David Bohigian and involve a broad range of technologies such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and "clean" coal.

The mission aims to "match" participating US companies with opportunities in these fast-growing markets, where American clean technology goods and services could help improve the environment, the department said in a statement.

Bohigian said US companies had developed innovative clean-energy products and that their deployment in India and China would have "dramatic effects on the environment not only in these countries, but around the world.

"It is important to reduce air pollution without hindering world economic growth, and the United States is poised to be a leader in this effort," he said.

"We have seen amazing growth in the economies of both India and China that has led to a great need for additional energy in these countries, and we expect this trend to continue," Bohigian said.

India plans 100 gigawatts (GW) of new power over the next 10 years, including 10 GW from renewable sources, according to the department. This includes the electrification of 18,000 remote villages.

China, by 2020, plans to spend nearly 200 billion dollars to increase renewable energy use to 15 percent of total supply as well as reduce the energy that its buildings consume by 65 percent, the department said.

China also plans to provide electricity for its remaining 25 to 30 million people without power, it said.

US President George W. Bush earlier this month emphasized the "critical role" American technology and innovation would play to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A key Bush initiative is the "Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate" aimed at reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security amid sustained economic growth.

It is a public-private partnership with six countries representing half of the world's economy, population and energy consumption: Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and the United States.

Member countries aim to break down policy barriers and facilitate commercial deployment of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security.

Bohigian said both the environment and US industry would benefit from the upcoming mission to China and India.

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