The third High-Level Meeting of the U.S.-France Bilateral Clean Energy Partnership took place on May 22, 2024, in Paris, France. The event was co-chaired by representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of State, French Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, and French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The Partnership aims to address energy policy, technology, and innovation to advance zero-emissions energy sources and systems while enhancing diplomatic efforts to accelerate energy transitions and achieve climate objectives.
The meeting occurred shortly before the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings along the Normandy coast, providing a moment to reflect on current energy security in a changing landscape.
On this occasion, the co-chairs emphasized the strong relationship between the United States and France regarding diplomatic and energy matters. They reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing invasion. The co-chairs condemned Russia’s actions as "brutal," "illegal," "unjustifiable," and "unprovoked."
The discussions also focused on achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement through cutting-edge research and science aimed at accelerating clean energy technologies' development and deployment. This includes integrating larger shares of renewables, enhancing grid flexibility and long-duration storage, and bolstering nuclear energy.
Critical minerals (CRM) cooperation was another key topic discussed. Both sides agreed on promoting diverse, responsible supply chains for these materials by leveraging platforms like the International Energy Agency’s Critical Minerals Security Program.
The co-chairs highlighted progress in areas such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), hydrogen, and CRM since their last meeting. They endorsed further bilateral engagement focusing on geological hydrogen, industrial decarbonization, electricity grids, and flexibility.
Civil nuclear energy cooperation remains a significant aspect of their collaboration. Recognized as a clean/zero emissions energy source that can reduce fossil fuel dependence, both nations support ongoing coordination on civil nuclear projects globally. In line with COP 28's declaration to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, they discussed deploying advanced nuclear technologies to meet climate objectives.
Furthermore, they acknowledged leadership from like-minded countries—the United States, France, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom—known as the “Sapporo 5,” in enhancing uranium enrichment capacity free from Russian influence.
The meeting followed significant events such as the IEA’s 50th anniversary Ministerial hosted by France and G7 Climate Ministers meeting in Turin where commitments were made towards increasing system flexibility through demand response and grid reinforcement among other initiatives.
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