07 March 2003
Text: Energy's Abraham Discusses Future Fuels, Nuclear Safety with EC
(Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham in Brussels March 6) (750) U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham and officials of the European Commission met in Brussels March 6 to discuss continued U.S.-EC cooperation in the research and development of clean energy systems and alternative fuels. "Whether it is fusion, a hydrogen economy, or ideas that we have not yet explored, I believe we need to leapfrog the status quo and prepare for a future that under any scenario requires a revolution in how we produce, deliver and use energy," Abraham said. While in Brussels, the U.S. Energy Secretary also signed an agreement with the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) concerning nuclear energy safety and radioactive waste disposal. Following is an Energy Department press release about his visit: (begin text) Department of Energy Washington, D.C. www.energy.gov March 6, 2003 Press Release SECRETARY ABRAHAM SIGNS AGREEMENTS PROMOTING NUCLEAR ENERGY SAFETY AND PRESIDENT BUSH'S HYDROGEN FUTURE INITIATIVE Will Also Hold Talks on FreedomCAR, National Hydrogen Energy Roadmap and Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum BRUSSELS, BELGIUM -- Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham today met with the senior leadership of the European Commission's (EC) Directorates General for Research and Energy to discuss the continuing cooperation between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the EC in the areas of clean energy, alternative fuels, and other areas of ongoing collaboration. In separate meetings, he also signed agreements with members of the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) to promote and extend cooperative research in the field of nuclear-related technology research and development. The purpose of the DOE/EURATOM Agreement is to establish a framework for cooperation in the area of nuclear-related technology research and development. Possible areas of cooperation include nuclear energy research, plant life extension and management, advanced new fuels for transportation and energy, and high-level waste management. This agreement will set the U.S. and the EC on a joint path to solve complex issues of nuclear energy safety. Working together to resolve these problems will help provide for a viable nuclear energy option to meet the rising future energy needs of both the U.S. and the member states of the EC. "Our shared interests make us partners in the effort to devise innovative ways to improve the energy security in our respective countries," Secretary Abraham said. "The U.S. and the European Commission face common challenges, including growing energy and oil import dependence, and massive new energy infrastructure requirements. Our discussions will help lead to innovations across the board in energy matters." The Secretary's exchanges with EC members will highlight President Bush's Hydrogen Future Initiative, including President Bush's FreedomCAR and Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, the National Hydrogen Energy Roadmap and the DOE's Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum. The FreedomCAR and Hydrogen Fuel Initiative are designed to reverse America's growing dependence on foreign oil by developing the technology needed for commercially viable hydrogen-powered fuel cells -- a way to power cars, trucks, homes and businesses that produces no pollution and no greenhouse gases. The National Hydrogen Energy Roadmap identifies the challenges and paths forward to a future energy system that is centered on the use of hydrogen. The new roadmap -- the result of a 12-month collaborative process -- outlines the research, development, demonstration, codes and standards, and education efforts necessary to lead the nation to a clean and sustainable energy future based on hydrogen. "Whether it is fusion, a hydrogen economy, or ideas that we have not yet explored, I believe we need to leapfrog the status quo and prepare for a future that under any scenario requires a revolution in how we produce, deliver and use energy," Secretary Abraham said. The Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum, a Ministerial-level organization, is an international climate change initiative that will focus on development of carbon capture and storage technologies to stabilize long-term greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. It will seek to improve such technologies through coordinated research and development with international partners and private industry. The Secretary will also sign an agreement between DOE and EURATOM that will update, strengthen, and expand a prior understanding that involves nuclear energy safety and radioactive waste disposal. The goal of the discussions is to decide areas of interest for further cooperative research and to develop a set of continent-wide standards and rules regarding radioactive waste disposal. Media Contact: Jeanne Lopatto 202/586-4940 Drew Malcomb, 202/586-5806 Release No. PR-03-046 Release Date: March 6, 2003 (end text) (Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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