Consider This from NPR How The U.S. Gave Away Cutting-Edge Technology To China
Aug 9, 2022
Laura Sullivan, an NPR journalist, investigates the surprising transfer of vanadium redox flow battery technology from the U.S. to China. She uncovers how years of American innovation led to a Chinese factory producing these advanced batteries, sparking concerns over national interests and job loss. Sullivan examines regulatory gaps that facilitated this technology transfer, questioning the effectiveness of U.S. oversight. With implications for American manufacturing and competitiveness in a critical industry, the conversation highlights a troubling narrative in global tech dynamics.
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Uni Energy's Battery Promise
- Uni Energy, an American company, developed vanadium redox flow batteries in a Washington warehouse.
- These batteries, designed to last 30 years, held promise for off-grid power solutions.
Presidential Promises vs. Reality
- Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden all emphasized keeping manufacturing and technology jobs in America.
- Despite these promises, the U.S. government allowed vanadium redox flow battery technology to move to China.
Technology Transfer and Violation
- The U.S. Department of Energy gave the technology to the Chinese company, violating its own licensing rules.
- This allowed China to invest in and develop the cutting-edge green technology.