Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Looking ahead, we will target these and other resources towards greater
penetration of renewables in the global energy mix on both a small and large
scale, including through our participation in the Sustainable Energy for All
Initiative and accelerating the commercialization of renewable mini-grids.
These efforts include:
Natural Gas.
Burning natural gas is about one-half as carbon-
intensive as coal, which can make it a critical ―bridge fuel‖ for many
countries as the world transitions to even cleaner sources of energy.
Toward that end, the Obama Administration is partnering with states
and private companies to exchange lessons learned with our
international partners on responsible development of natural gas
resources. We have launched the Unconventional Gas Technical
Engagement Program to share best practices on issues such as water
management, methane emissions, air quality, permitting, contracting,
and pricing to help increase global gas supplies and facilitate
development of the associated infrastructure that brings them to
market. Going forward, we will promote fuel-switching from coal to
gas for electricity production and encourage the development of a
global market for gas. Since heavy-duty vehicles are expected to
account for 40 percent of increased oil use through 2030, we will
encourage the adoption of heavy duty natural gas vehicles as well.
Nuclear Power
.
The United States will continue to promote the safe
and secure use of nuclear power worldwide through a variety of
bilateral and multilateral engagements. For example, the U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission advises international partners on safety and
regulatory best practices, and the Department of Energy works with
international partners on research and development, nuclear waste and
storage, training, regulations, quality control, and comprehensive fuel
leasing options. Going forward, we will expand these efforts to
promote nuclear energy generation consistent with maximizing safety
and nonproliferation goals.
Clean Coal.
The United States works with China, India, and other
countries that currently rely heavily on coal for power generation to
advance the development and deployment of clean coal technologies.
In addition, the U.S. leads the Carbon Sequestration Leadership
Forum, which engages 23 other countries and economies on carbon
capture and sequestration technologies. Going forward, we will
