US focusing on alternative energy sources after oil hike

US focusing on alternative energy sources after oil hike: Abraham

Tokyo (Platts)--15Dec2004


Visiting US Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham has told senior Japanese officials
that the US is more strongly commmitted to the development of alternative
energy resources following this year's spike in oil prices, an official at
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said Wednesday. Citing
discussions between Abraham and METI senior vice-minister Sanzo Hosaka, the
official, who was present at the talks, quoted Abraham as saying: "The recent
crude oil price hike is a strong reminder that we need to strengthen R&D of
alternative energy resources, specifically the new nuclear technologies and
hydrogen power systems." 

Abraham said the R&D on alternative energy was important because the US is

highly dependent on imported oil, and the current nuclear technologies are

raising environmental concerns. Abraham, who arrived in Japan Wednesday, also

met with Nariaki Nakayama, Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports,

Science and Technology. He is due to visit Beijing on Friday to meet with

Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan.

This story was originally published in Platts Global Alert
(http://www.platts.com/Oil/Real-Time%20Information/Global%20Alert/)

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