US and Chile to collaborate on clean energy issues

25th June 2009

US Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Minister Marcelo Tokman of the Chilean National Energy Commission, have signed an agreement representing a collaboration between the two nations.

Under the agreement, Chile and the US will collaborate on high priority energy issues, such as energy efficiency technologies and developing renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, wave, geothermal and biofuels.

Specifically, the US will export capacity-building expertise, supporting two pilot projects for solar power generation in northern Chile, and Chile’s new Renewable Energy Centre.

Speaking of the agreement, which is part of the Obama Administration’s Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas, Secretary Chu said, ‘Cooperative efforts with partner countries like Chile are critical to strengthening our clean energy future throughout the Americas and addressing the shared challenge of global warming’.

Minister Tokman added, ‘The support of the Department of Energy of the US will allow us, especially in establishing the pilot project for our first solar concentration plant and the constitution of the Renewable Energy Centre, to incorporate international best practices and become a reference point within Latin American for these types of energy developments.’

The Renewable Energy Centre will identify developments in clean technology and renewable energies around the world. The information will be used to catalyse the adoption of clean energy technologies in Chile, and eventually greater South America.

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