U.S., China sign energy agreement
The U.S. Department of Energy has joined with China in agreeing to increase cooperation to heighten energy efficiency in China's industrial sector.
The agreement was signed last week by Energy Department Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs Karen Harbert and Chen Deming, the vice chairman of China's National Development and Reform Committee.
The memorandum of understanding is to increase cooperation and energy efficiency in China's industrial sector, which accounts for 70 percent of that country's total energy demand. The agreement stemmed from discussions during the third U.S.-China Energy Policy Dialogue, in which the United States and China agreed to conduct audits to increase China's national, regional, and local energy efficiency.
"This agreement signifies the importance of our strategic energy and economic cooperation with China," said Harbert. "As global energy use continues to rapidly increase, the U.S. is working to identify ways to increase industrial energy efficiency both domestically and across the globe. Our U.S. industry has significant expertise and products that can improve energy efficiency in China."
Copyright 2007 by United Press International