Energy Secretary outlines US approach to climate change during Imperial visit

"There is no one low-carbon solution, but many low-carbon solutions" said the US Secretary of Energy on a visit to Imperial College London today.

Ernest Moniz delivered a lecture where he outlined current US energy policy and his thoughts on our ‘carbon constrained world’. He also met with Professor Sir Brian Hoskins and other experts from Imperial’s Grantham Institute for Climate Change, as well as energy experts from elsewhere, to discuss the challenges of providing sustainable energy.

Dr Moniz, a scientist by training, was appointed Secretary of Energy by President Obama’s administration in May 2013. Prior to his appointment, he had been a Professor of Physics and Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), spearheading research that explored the future of nuclear, coal, natural gas and solar energy in a low-carbon world, from 1973 onwards. He also served as Department Of Energy Under Secretary during the Clinton administration.

In his talk to a packed lecture theatre, Dr Moniz explained the US’s ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to climate change, saying:  “We need to prepare the way for multiple solutions and that is why we are walking the talk in making substantial investment across the spectrum of energy sources”.

Dr Moniz outlined the U.S Climate Action Plan, and its three key pillars: mitigation, adaptation and international cooperation. He revealed that adapting to the changes in the climate is now as much of a priority for the US as mitigating climate change.

According to Dr Moniz, the most practical and pragmatic way to transform the energy sector is to move beyond typical Research and Development, or R and D, to what he calls R, D, D and D – “Research, Development, Demonstration and Deployment”.  The country has created a $US33 billion loan guarantee programme to kick-start new low-carbon technologies and create new industries around them.

Professor Sir Brian Hoskins, Director of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change, said: “We are really pleased that Secretary Moritz chose to come to the Grantham Institute to give a lecture on US energy policy. His message of progress on all fronts gives hope that US technology and enterprise may give a powerful lead in the effort to limit global warming.”