During his recent visit to Mongolia,
U.S. Deputy Secretary for Energy Daniel Poneman delivered an address at the
Mongolian University of Science and Technology. Titled “Building a Sustainable
Energy Future”, the speech focused on what the United States is doing – and
what it can do with Mongolia – to build a prosperous, secure, and sustainable
energy future. Their “excessive dependence on fossil fuels” puts the
environment of both nations at risk. In addition, “both countries –
indeed, all countries – face the shared challenge of climate change”.

Saying that “the question before us is how do we meet energy demand in a manner
that enhances security, promotes prosperity, and fulfills our responsibility to
future generations to avert catastrophic climate change”, Poneman maintained,
“We must build a new, sustainable energy future where we use energy efficiently
and rely on alternative sources of energy to meet demand.  Building this
future won’t be quick or easy, but it is essential.”

Many fear that “transitioning toward
this future will raise the cost of development and restrict economic growth”,
but Poneman said there is no law of physics that says prosperity is
proportional to carbon emissions. “In fact, moving towards a low-carbon
future provides opportunities to participate in the growing clean energy
industry and drive sustainable economic growth.”

Recognizing that coal is likely to
comprise a major source of electricity generation for the foreseeable future,
the USA has set a goal to advance carbon capture and storage technology to the
point where widespread, affordable deployment is possible within 10
years.  Clean coal technologies could be of great interest to Mongolia,
which is heavily dependent on coal.

Poneman said, “Civil nuclear
cooperation is just one aspect of our energy relationship.  Mongolia is
also part of the Methane to Markets Partnership, which is chaired by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and supports projects to capture methane and
use it as a source of clean energy. The Millennium Challenge Corporation is
collaborating on energy efficiency and wind energy projects in Mongolia. 
And US AID is helping with efforts to increase transparency and accountability
in the energy sector.

“Our cooperation extends
beyond the government-to-government level to a personal level.  This fall,
1,000 student visas were issued to Mongolian students to study in the United
States.  Both the public and private sectors are helping support this
exchange.  For example, this fall a promising Mongolian student began
graduate studies at the University of Arizona’s Department of Mining and
Geological Engineering thanks to a scholarship from Peabody.  We wish
to extend a warm welcome to all Mongolian students who visit our shores. 

“These efforts provide a
solid foundation for the U.S.-Mongolia energy relationship, and I look forward
to discussing opportunities to enhance this relationship.  Working
together, we can promote sustainable energy practices that can boost economic
growth, strengthen global security, and leave our children and our children’s
children a healthier planet. 

“Finally, I want to say a
word to all the students in the audience.  The United States is working
hard to build a new energy future, but we will only succeed in partnership with
others. That’s where you come in. I am asking you to join us, as we seek to
build that future together.

“As our future intellectual
leaders, take time to learn more about what’s at stake, and then act on that
knowledge. As future scientists and engineers, I ask you to give us better
technology solutions. As future economists and political scientists, I ask you
to create and help us understand better policy options. As future business
leaders, I ask that you make sustainability an integral part of your business.
You have an extraordinary role to play in our future and I encourage you to
seize the opportunity to build a healthier, more prosperous planet. Your
success will be the greatest gift that you can give to your children and to the
rest of the world.”