U.S. to host Western Hemisphere clean energy meet

WASHINGTON,Apr 13 - Government ministers from more than 30 countries in the Americas will meet in Washington this week for a two-day conference as part of an Obama administration effort to boost cooperation on energy security and climate change. The conference is supposed to build on the goals of the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas that was launched by President Barack Obama and leaders of other countries one year ago. "We are looking for action, not just talk," said David Sandalow, U.S. assistant energy secretary. The conference, which will be held this Thursday and Friday, will focus on developing renewable energy, promoting energy efficiency, enhancing energy security, fighting energy poverty and developing cleaner fossil fuels. Sandalow pointed out that 34 million people in the Western Hemisphere do not have access to electricity in their homes. Mexico's wind power business and Chile's solar power sector are two examples of big Western Hemisphere alternative energy pushes that could be addressed at the meeting, he said. Of the 34 countries invited to the conference, 31 are sending representatives so far, Sandalow told Reuters. The only country in the hemisphere not asked to the event was Cuba. The conference kicks off with panel discussions at the Inter-American Development Bank and then continues Friday with meetings at Organization of American States. The conference is mostly closed to the press and public, except for a few opening speeches each day. Among those scheduled to speak throughout are U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, U.S. Secretary of State of Hillary Clinton and energy ministers from Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. There will be no communique from the conference, according to Sandalow. Instead, he said the meetings will provide an opportunity for countries to "make concrete progress" what they are doing to address energy and climate issues, and how nations can cooperate in those areas. Other groups taking part include businesses, academics, multi-development banks and non-government organizations. "This is not just an effort of governments. It is a partnership among all the peoples of the Americas," he said.