Brussels, 07/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Commissioner in charge of energy, Philippe Busquin and the US secretary of State for Energy, Spencer Abraham, signed a agreement on Thursday for promoting cooperation in nuclear research and development. The EU was also seeking to sign a similar agreement for hydrogen research and hydrogen powered batteries but this signature was not possible and will happen at another time. The EU and USA are working on a more global agreement on research on climate change.
The objective of the agreement signed on Thursday is to improve nuclear security by setting out a framework for cooperation between the EU and USA for developing joint research programmes on nuclear energy, particularly in the area of protection from radioactivity and waste management. The two men also examined their collaboration in research: 1) nuclear fusion (via the ITER programme on which the US has recently agreed to collaborate again: see EUROPE 6 march p 15) and on development of the next nuclear fission reactor; 2) in the development of hydrogen and hydrogen powered batteries, the US government has set up a next programme for developing this technology, which will cost USD 1.7 bn over 5 years. The EU High Level group of experts created in October (see EUROPE 10 October) is expected to submit a report in May followed by European Commission recommendations in June (the 6th framework programme is expected to dedicate a substantial part of the EUR 2.120 bn to sustainable development); 3) climate change. The EU and USA held their cooperation meeting on 5-6 February on the subject and identified potential cooperation areas, notably in obtaining and stocking gas (CO2).
A meeting is expected to take place this year for jointly launching offers to tender in 2003-2004. Mr Busquin believes that this collaboration is fundamental given the "different points of view" between the USA and EU on the Kyoto Protocol. Asked about the US refusal to sign this protocol, Mr Abraham avoided the question and listed the "ambitious" commitments taken by his country for reducing CO2 emissions.
Asked about the possible use by the US government of its oil supplies, given the rise in oil prices on the world markets, Mr Abraham indicated that the US strategy had not changed. He stated that for the moment they would not touch their stocks unless supplies seized up. He also added that any decision to the contrary would be taken following consultation with the International Energy Agency. The US representative also declared that he would be going to Vienna next week to attend a conference and he would use the occasion to make contact with OPEC Ministers meeting that week in the Austrian capital.