Despite President Obama’s call for the United States to lead the clean energy technology industry, a weak climate bill (H.R. 2454) awaiting the Senate to return from recess promises limited funding for research and development of renewable clean energy technologies.

Asia, however, has recognized the advantages of embracing clean energy development and the race for clean energy dominance is heating up faster than the planet. Here’s a look at the development of clean energy technology in the some of the world’s developing Asian economies.

1. Kunming - China’s “Solar City”

Kunming, China, located in the western province of Yunnan, has been dubbed the “Solar City” by the Worldwatch Institute due to the proliferation of solar water heaters throughout the area. In 2006, the government also funded the construction of 30 solar power plants in Yunnan Province, a locale known for its moderate climate and high number of sunny days.

Source: ChinaWatch, Worldwatch Institute Image Credit: Matthijs on Flickr under a Creative Commons license

Although China and India have both refused to submit to carbon emissions limits and are contributing to international stress regarding the outcome of this winter’s climate talks in Copenhagen, both countries are amping up their investment in solar power. China’s has increased its solar power target from 1.8 gigawatts to 20 gigawatts by 2020.

2. Fossil-Fuel Rich Xinjiang Uses Solar

A veritable hot bed of energy resources, Xinjiang province is rich in oil and coal but also an ideal location to host alternative energy sources like this roof-top solar panel.

Source: Washington Post; Bert van Dijk image description Image Credit: Bert van Dijk on Flickr under a Creative Commons License

Recently, India announced the approval of its National Solar Mission, the pride and joy of its National Climate Change Strategy. This project should increase India’s solar capacity from 3 megawatts (MW) to 20 gigawatts by 2020 – and if all goes according to plan, 200 GW by 2050. The project will cost approximately US$20 billion.

3. Solar Panels Soak up the Indian Sunshine

Dramatically situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Indian State of Uttaranchal derives energy from the sun with these residential solar panels.

Source: WorldWatch; National Portal of India Image Credit: Barefoot Photographers of Tilonia on Flickr under a Creative Commons License

India estimates that its National Solar Mission could bring the cost of solar down to between 4 and 5 rupees per kilowatt hour (US $.08-.10 per kWh) by 2017-2020 - an achievement that makes solar cost competitive with fossil fuels.

4. Rural Villages Benefit from Solar Technology

Even in one of the most remote Indian villages, a solar panel system is helping the community take advantage of one of its most abundant resources - sunlight.

Source: Green Inc., New York Times Image Credit: Barefoot Photographers of Tilonia on Flickr under a Creative Commons License

Recently, South Korea boldly asserted its competitiveness in the clean energy race by announcing its five-year plant to invest 2% of its GDP in renewable energy and environment-related industries. This investment will add up to $84.5 billion dollars allocated to growing South Korea’s market share of “green technology” products, which includes clean tech R&D, hybrid cars, and solar batteries.

5. A Wind Farm High up in the Hills

A snap shot of a wind farm taken from a train traveling from Danyang to Jeongdongjin, South Korea. South Korea aims to increase its renewable energy use from 2% to 9%, to mediate sky-high oil prices and compete in the clean tech industry.

Source: Washington Post, RenewableEnergyWorld.com Image Credit: Yewenyi on Flickr under a Creative Commons License

According to the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association, India has an installed wind power capacity of 992 MW. Commercial installation accounts for approximately 940 of those MW. Wind has contributed about 3.5 billion units of electricity to India’s grid since the country began harnessing wind power.

6. Turbine Vanes Ready for Action

A field full of wind turbine vanes awaiting construction in Belur, India.

Source: Indian Wine Turbine Manufacturers Association Image Credit: Niveditak on Flickr under a Creative Commons License

Although the Philippines makes a minuscule 1% contribution (in comparison to its Asian counterparts) to global greenhouse gas emissions, Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes emphasized the role that renewables will play in Philippines development. Both the Biofuels Act and the Renewable Energy Act, recently passed by Philippine Congress, represent landmark achievements for this developing nation.

7. Technology as Picturesque: Turbines Basking in the Sunset

A sideways view of a wind farm located on Pebble Beach in the Ilocos Norte province of the Philippines. Even in this developing economy, the Philippine government recognizes the economic, international, and environmental advantages of clean energy.

Source: Philstar.com Image Credit: Storm Crypt on Flickr under a Creative Commons License

As the time for talks at Copenhagen draws nearer and pressure increases on U.S. President Obama to pass a climate bill, China, India, and South Korea’s clean energy actions stand to have major impacts on climate change and the outcome of the clean energy race. It remains to be seen which nation will successfully reap the economic and international benefits of dominating the global clean technology industry.

8. Solar Power in the Making

Solar panels at Yingli Solar, a leading photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer locating in Baoding, China. Baoding is a veritable renewables smorgasbord with almost 200 other renewable energy companies taking root within the city limits. According to an article published in the Christian Science Monitor, Baoding is the first carbon positive city in the world.

Source: Christian Science Monitor Image Credit: \!/_PeacePlusOne on Flickr under a Creative Commons License

Reprinted with permission from CleanTechnica