India-US Energy Dialogue

Washington, DC
September 25, 2008

The India - U.S. Energy Dialogue led by Deputy Chairman of India’s Planning Commission and Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy aims to promote increased trade and investment in the energy sector by working with the public and private sectors to further identify areas of cooperation and collaboration and build on the broad range of existing cooperation between India and the U.S. to mobilize secure, clean, reliable and affordable sources of energy, It consists of five working groups which exchange views and develop cooperative programs in oil and natural gas, coal, power and energy efficiency, new and renewable technologies, and civil nuclear energy.

The major initiatives under the Dialogue are: 

· The creation of a taskforce addressing integrated gasification combined cycle. Coal is an important energy resource for both countries and this taskforce will address the use of coal in a clean and efficient manner.
· Cooperation in second generation bio-fuels technology. The purpose of the cooperation is to establish a framework of cooperation covering scientific, technical and policy aspects of production, conversion, utilization, distribution and marketing of second generation, non-edible bio-fuels in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner in accordance with national priorities and socio-economic development strategies and goals.
· The creation of a coal bed methane and coal mine methane clearinghouse. The clearinghouse will highlight specific project opportunities, facilitate international industry networking, and recommend market-oriented policies to the commercial utilization of Coal Bed Methane and Coal Mine Methane while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 
· Cooperation in the areas of Clean Coal Technology. R&D projects are being developed for Beneficiation and Recovery of Fine Coal, Coal Cleaning Plants Simulator and Dry Coal Beneficiation. Capacity building covering Modeling and Environmental Studies for development of underground coal gasification
· Cooperation in the area of gas hydrates. While global estimates vary considerably, the energy content of methane occurring in hydrate form is immense, possibly exceeding the combined energy content of all other known fossil fuels. Joint collaborative research projects are providing valuable scientific information to both countries on commercialization of this resource.
· The clean and efficient use of energy. The Dialogue encompasses a variety of technical programs that will result in more efficient and economic use of energy in the industrial, transport, residential and commercial sectors. 
· Advancing development and deployment of renewable energy resources. This collaboration includes resource assessments and information exchanges on solar and wind energy, distributed generation and integration with the electric power grid. India has suggested specific initiatives for cooperation. 
· Exchange of information regarding strategic petroleum stockpiles. Technical exchanges regarding creation and methodology regarding use of strategic stocks in response to disruptions in commercial oils.

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