The United States and Japan are partnering up on clean energy programs that will be explored in Hawaii and Okinawa.

Government leaders from both countries signed a memorandum of cooperation Thursday aimed at accelerating energy programs through combined efforts toward renewable energy, energy efficiency and next generation vehicles.

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle says the rapid transformation of Hawaii’s and Okinawa’s energy systems will provide lessons for other regions of the world.

The partnership intends to use government resources to support the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

The project intends to demonstrate technologies, financing methodologies and government policies to support the acceptance of clean energy.