SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman on Wednesday began a two day visit to Australia where he will lead the United States delegation to the inaugural meeting of the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate (APP).  The APP brings together governments and private sector entities from Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and the United States to encourage the deployment of clean energy technologies and international cooperation in eight areas: cleaner fossil energy; renewable and distributed generation; power generation and transmission; aluminum; steel; cement; buildings and appliances; and mining. 

“The governments and private sectors of the APP countries have the historic opportunity to leverage the ingenuity of the private sector, the power of markets and the strength of the public sector to achieve a more secure energy future, a cleaner environment and greater prosperity in our own countries and around the world,” Secretary Bodman said.  “The real strength of the APP is the private sector’s participation and the chance for them to show leadership on these critical issues.  I look forward to working with the six partner nations and the industry representatives to help the private sector succeed.”

Secretary Bodman joined Australian Minister of Industry, Resources and Tourism, Ian MacFarlane to host a dialogue between the government ministers and CEOs from the six APP countries.  During the meeting, participants discussed new technology development and deployment and opportunities for representatives from the different nations to work together.  They also discussed ways that government can create an environment where collaborations can succeed and investments can be made with confidence. 

In addition to leading the Business Dialogue, Secretary Bodman held bilateral meetings with Minister MacFarlane of Australia and Secretary General of the State Council, People’s Republic of China, Hua Jianmin.

Secretary Bodman will continue his visit on Thursday by leading the U.S. delegation at the APP Ministerial Conference which will formally launch the Partnership.  The Secretary will also visit the University of New South Wales’ Center of Excellence for Advanced Silicon Photovoltaics and Photonics.

Media contact(s):
Craig Stevens, 202/586-4940