The Steering Group of the U.S.-Brazil Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Advance Cooperation on Biofuels met December 15, 2009, in Washington, DC to assess accomplishments to date and discuss the best ways to advance the partnership.
The Secretary of State’s Coordinator for International Energy Affairs David Goldwyn led the U.S. delegation. Under Secretary General for Energy and High Technology Ambassador André Amado led the Brazilian delegation. The governments discussed progress on bilateral research and development and projects in MOU partner countries, as well as provided updates on domestic policy developments on biofuels.
In addition to the U.S. and Brazilian delegations, the meeting included presentations by partner institutions: the Organization of American States, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the United Nations Foundation, as well as technical consultants working in third countries to develop local biofuels production and consumption capacity. MOU partner institutions presented findings from feasibility studies and technical assessments, as well as assistance provided to governments on legal and regulatory frameworks to support local biofuels industries. In light of the conclusions of feasibility studies, the United States and Brazil are working collectively with the private sector in partner countries to encourage investment in the area of biofuels.
Globally, the United States and Brazil are actively engaged in the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP), working together in addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting and sustainability. For example, GBEP has created a methodological framework allowing for transparent comparisons across different GHG life cycle analyses. The group also reviewed progress made in the International Biofuels Forum, which has been working to harmonize biofuels’ technical standards and codes to advance the commoditization of biofuels.
Finally, the United States and Brazil will continue to encourage scientific exchange on advanced biofuels and work together in upcoming events and initiatives which may be instrumental to increased collaboration between the private sectors in both countries.
