Secretary Chu to Focus on Opportunities for Global Cooperation on Energy, Economic and Climate Challenges During 6-Day European

Will Lead U.S. Delegation to G-8 Energy Ministers Meeting in Rome and Attend Nobel Laureates Symposium in London

May 19, 2009 -- Washington, DC – The Department of Energy announced today that Energy Secretary Steven Chu will lead the U.S. delegation to the Group of 8 (G8) Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Rome from May 23-25. Secretary Chu will meet with top energy leaders from around the world to address global energy security and climate change challenges.

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During the meeting, the Energy Ministers will discuss new clean energy and energy efficiency technologies, ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and steps countries can take to grow their economies. The program will also address needed energy investments in security, sustainable development and global poverty alleviation.

Following his trip to Rome, Secretary Chu will travel to the United Kingdom from May 26-28 to participate in the St. James’s Palace Nobel Laureate Symposium, organized by the University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainable Leadership. The Symposium, hosted at St. James's Palace and The Royal Society, will provide a unique opportunity for Nobel Laureates from across the disciplines to gather with Secretary Chu, The Prince of Wales, and international experts to address the climate crisis and the economic and development challenges facing the global community.

The G8 Energy Ministers’ Meeting will be attended by the G8 member countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the U.S., plus the European Commission), along with emerging economies such as Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.

Journalists, photographers and camera crews can request credentials by visiting www.g8energy2009.it and completing the registration form under "Media." Application forms for accreditation must be in by TODAY, Tuesday, May 19, 2009.

For media questions and credentials to attend the St. James's Palace Nobel Laureate Symposium, please contact Genevieve Maul with the University of Cambridge at gm349@admin.cam.ac.uk, +44 (0) 1223 332300, or +44 (0) 7774 017464.

Further trip details will be announced soon.

Source: DOE