O'Leary on energy mix: [open quotes]Its's diversity, stupid[close quotes]. [energy efficiency policy of DOE]
With energy efficiency improvements stalled in recent years after showing significant improvement following the last oil embargo, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Hazel R. O'Leary told delegates to the National Energy Summit that she intends to give efficiency a jolt. O'Leary said she would stimulate niche markets for natural gas and suggested that clean-coal technology will play an important role in the nation's energy future. As for nuclear power in the energy mix, O'Leary said that DOE's budget for nuclear research and development is [open quotes]dramatically reduced from the last administration.[close quotes] She pointed out that as an executive for Northern States Power Co., she had found no market in Minnesota for nuclear power. She said DOE cannot commit to funding nuclear until the market shows a demand for the product. O'Leary also recommended making energy efficiency a part of future resource planning. She acknowledged a 25-percent rise in energy efficiency since the last oil embargo, but noted that efficiency has fallen flat for the last five years. According to O'Leary, current projections predict increased petroleum use. She anticipated sharing energy technology with foreign countries. For example, China has accepted 6 to 10 660-MW clean-coal burning plants. O'Leary predicted that if oil imports can be held to current levels, as many as 75,000 jobs can be created in the US petroleum industry, helping to improve national security and the balance of trade. O'Leary said her agency's 1994 Energy Strategy includes public participation, supply diversity, and environmental and economic responsibility.
- OSTI ID:
- 5457083
- Journal Information:
- Public Utilities Fortnightly; (United States), Vol. 131:15; ISSN 0033-3808
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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POLICY AND ECONOMY
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
IMPORTS
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
NATURAL GAS
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PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
US CLEAN COAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
US NATIONAL ENERGY PLAN
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FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
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293000* - Energy Planning & Policy- Policy
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