Yeah, that’s right. We said China. The world’s two most prodigal energy consumers have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU, to the initiated) in an effort to take stock of a situation that some might say is overdue for some controls.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) will offer training sessions in the States for Chinese officials, teaching them our methods of industrial efficiency assessment. On-site energy audits and a policy-comparison study are also in the stars.

DOE officials are hopeful about another aspect of this agreement, too–namely, the chance to sell stuff! The US has established tools and products for industrial energy efficiency assessment. We’re hoping China will finally buy something from us.

Of course, the last bullet point listed on the MOU states that “This Memorandum does not create any legally binding obligations between the Participants.” So the world is watching..but not holding its breath.

Read the full press release, and link to the MOU itself.