A new Silicon Valley is being born. The northern Californian region that brought the world microprocessors, personal computers and Google now has its sights set on another technological revolution: one founded on photovoltaic solar cells, sources of biofuel such as algae and the application of information technology to improve energy efficiency.

Yet this new green technology industry needs help. As Barack Obama prepares to take office as US president next week, Silicon Valley has sensed that a turning point is at hand. It has been working overtime to convince the incoming administration of the strategic importance of these developments – and their need for financial backing.