The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) held a meeting in Washington, D.C., bringing together officials from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, and the European Commission to discuss the Vertical Gas Corridor project. This initiative builds on earlier talks at energy summits in Athens and Washington aimed at improving energy coordination across Central and Eastern Europe.
According to Joshua Volz, “By partnering with the countries of the Vertical Corridor, we are opening major opportunities to expand U.S. LNG exports to Central and Eastern Europe. This effort is so important to our President and Secretary because it aligns with our nation’s strengths and commitment to supporting friends and allies across Europe.”
The technical discussions included representatives from Energy Ministries, national regulators, and Transmission System Operators (TSOs). The main objectives addressed were resolving regulatory issues that affect long-term planning, harmonizing tariffs for cost competitiveness, and reviewing necessary infrastructure investments to increase the corridor’s capacity for northbound flow of regasified U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Greece into European markets.
DOE officials emphasized that these efforts support U.S. leadership in global energy markets while helping allies reduce reliance on adversarial suppliers by securing alternative sources of energy.
The DOE has recently launched several programs aimed at advancing clean energy initiatives both domestically and internationally. In July 2022, the department announced a $225 million program funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help implement updated building energy codes nationwide (source). That same month, DOE introduced a $96 million funding opportunity focused on decarbonizing transportation by expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure and supporting cleaner engine technologies (source).
Additionally, DOE highlighted its support for international cooperation in clean energy transitions when Secretary Jennifer Granholm encouraged global participation in clean energy forums (source). The department also announced over 140 programs supporting President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative designed to ensure that disadvantaged communities receive significant benefits from federal clean energy investments (source).
DOE continues technology development through partnerships with national laboratories for environmental management missions (source) and innovative solutions such as passive processes for groundwater cleanup at former power plant sites (source).
Today’s meeting reaffirmed DOE’s ongoing role in reducing barriers to LNG exports while promoting secure alternatives for America’s partners abroad.
