U.S. Energy Secretary Abraham Signs Department's First-Ever Bilateral Agreement with Norway

5/22/2004

From: Jeanne Lopatto, 202-586-4940, or Drew Malcomb, 202-586-5806, both of the U.S. Department of Energy

WASHINGTON, May 22 -- U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy Einar Steensnaes that will enhance each country's research in a number of areas of mutual benefit, including carbon sequestration, hydrogen and clean fuels, among other energy topics.

"This MOU marks a significant advancement in our efforts to improve energy security in the United States and Norway, as well as the entire world," Secretary Abraham said. "I think this agreement is particularly significant because the United States was the first nation to recognize the independent state of Norway and, through this agreement, we will expand our cooperation in the field of energy security. We've worked very successfully with the Norwegians in the past in the fields of carbon sequestration and hydrogen research, and this agreement will build on those achievements."

Secretary Abraham and Minister Steensnaes signed the MOU while attending the International Energy Forum (IEF), held in Amsterdam May 22-24. The IEF is a high-level biennial informal gathering that brings together energy-producing and energy-consuming nations to discuss the world's energy issues. The IEF expects delegations from 80 countries to participate, with approximately 500 attendees.

Under the non-binding MOU, the U.S. and Norway will conduct joint research in a number of energy areas that are of mutual interest and benefit. These include carbon sequestration, the two countries also have existing cooperative agreements through the auspices of the International Energy Agency, but this is the first formal agreement between the U.S. and Norway to advance energy research and development projects. Additionally, Norway is a charter member of the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum and the International Partnership for a Hydrogen Economy.

Norway is the world's third-largest exporter of both oil and natural gas, and a major supplier to the Northeast corridor of the U.S.