BEIJING- The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Friday that it will start an investigation into the US government's policy support and subsidies for its renewable energy sector over trade barrier concerns.

The MOC will look into six renewable energy programs concerning wind, solar and hydroelectric energy in the states of Washington, Massachusetts, Ohio, New Jersey and California, the MOC said in a statement posted on its website.

The investigation was applied for by the China Chamber of Commerce for Imports and Exports of Machinery and Electronic Products, as well as the new energy chamber of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce.

"The applicants argued that the US government's policy support and subsidies for its renewable energy industry constitute a trade barrier, as they violate the rules of the World Trade Organization and have hindered and restricted the development of China's renewable energy sector," the statement said.

The applicants requested the elimination of any negative influence from the US government's policy support and subsidies in order to maintain a fair trade environment, according to the statement.

The investigation will end before May 25, 2012, although it may be extended to August 25, 2012 under special circumstances, according to the statement.