US Wants Global Push For Clean CoalUS Energy Chief Bodman Wants Global Push For 'Clean Coal'
14:44 EDT Tuesday, May 03, 2005
PARIS (AP)--U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman on Tuesday called for more international efforts to develop coal as an alternative energy source. He was speaking at a meeting in Paris to address concerns over the future of the world's energy supplies.
Bodman, attending his first major international meeting since he took office in February, also sought to deflect criticism that the U.S. isn't doing enough to improve its own energy efficiency and reduce both consumption and greenhouse emissions.
Speaking on the second day of an International Energy Agency ministerial in Paris, Bodman said the energy watchdog should be "more proactive" in promoting the development of so-called clean coal. The technology, which is still at the research stage, promises to reduce greenhouse emissions from coal-fired plants.
The 26-member IEA could "put some milestones on this as to just when we expect investments to be made, when we expect certain tests to be done," Bodman said.
Industrialized countries are looking for ways to reduce their reliance on imported oil, and U.S. President George W. Bush pledged $2 billion for clean coal technology during last year's election campaign.
Wider use of coal, Bodman said, would "help relieve some of the pressure on oil markets and natural gas markets."
The European Union also plans to invest in clean coal research - but that's in addition to plans to increase the share of renewable energy sources like wind turbines and hydroelectric dams to 22% of all electricity generated by 2010. The U.S. has no such targets.
Clean coal technology would get more energy out of the fuel for less greenhouse emissions, but would still contribute to global warming. However, by combining it with new techniques for trapping and storing greenhouse gases - also many years away from commercial feasibility - the U.S. hopes to achieve " significant reductions" in emissions from coal plants, Department of Energy Spokesman Mike Waldron said.
Among other IEA members, however, there was little sign of open enthusiasm for a return to coal at the Paris meeting, which called for efforts to combat the environmental effects of "growing dependence on fossil fuels."
"The Americans are keen but not all the other members of the IEA," said Rupert Krietemeyer, the E.U.'s energy spokesman. Nevertheless, Brussels believes investment in clean coal would set a "good example for countries like China which still have lots of coal," he said.
Washington's absence from the Kyoto treaty on global warming still posed challenges to energy cooperation, Bodman conceded Tuesday. "Do we get criticized? Sure," he said.
But he dismissed suggestions that the U.S. had neglected efforts to rein in energy consumption as it seeks new sources of supplies.
"We're trying to do both," Bodman said, citing moves to increase fuel- efficiency requirements for corporate vehicle fleets, sport utility vehicles and light trucks, as well as an initiative to promote solar-powered housing. "We have a very active program," he said.
Members of the IEA voiced concern about persistently high oil prices, which they said "are a drag on economic activity and growth and penalize the poor."
Oil prices have remained around $50 a barrel despite signs of mounting supplies and slower economic growth.
The ministers also repeated warnings that more investment was needed to meet rising energy needs, particularly in oil. The IEA estimates that about $16 trillion is needed over the next 25 years.
Dow Jones Newswires
05-03-05 1438ET
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