KITAKYUSHU, Japan, May 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Canada reinforced its capacity for cleaner energy exports and promoted its expertise in supporting global energy security among major energy and economic trading partners this week at the G7 Energy Ministerial in Kitakyushu, Japan.
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, joined his colleagues from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union against the backdrop of the COP21 Agreement, shifting global energy market dynamics and the current volatility in commodity prices.
During this first G7 Energy Ministers' meeting since the signing of the trilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Change and Energy Collaboration among Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, Minister Carr highlighted North American leadership in improving energy security, advancing clean technology, promoting market mechanisms and strengthening regulatory frameworks.
Minister Carr met with Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Motoo Hayashi and discussed Canada's role as a long-term supplier of natural gas to Japan and other Asian markets. As host, Japan used the G7 meetings to position its strategy for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) market development which seeks to create a major LNG trading hub in Japan – a move driven in part by ongoing deregulation of Japan's electricity and natural gas markets. In addition, Minister Carr met with key representatives from the Japanese energy sector to reinforce strong ties between the two nations and discussed opportunities to advance economic and environmental interests.
Changing market dynamics were a recurring theme at this year's G7 Energy Ministerial. As energy markets transition in North America and around the world, expanded Canadian leadership in sustainable development, energy security and energy efficiency will position Canadian experts and companies competitively to help the world meet its changing energy needs.
The G7 Kitakyushu Energy Ministerial Joint Statement highlights priority areas of focus for G7 countries. This includes ongoing recognition of the role energy plays in global growth, the need to improve energy sustainability, and support for Ukraine energy contingency planning, nuclear safety, geoscience and energy policy reforms.
While in Kitakyushu, Minister Carr also met with Miguel Arias Cañete, European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, to discuss Canada–European Union relations and to endorse key priority areas for bilateral co-operation under the Canada–EU High-Level Energy Dialogue. Minister Carr met with U.S. Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz, to discuss the agenda for the upcoming Clean Energy Ministerial to be held in San Francisco in June 2016. Secretary Moniz and Minister Carr discussed Mission Innovation and advanced a common perspective on the role of energy in fostering economic growth and creating new, clean jobs for the middle class. They acknowledged the importance of the integrated grid and the contributions of Canadian hydro to a cleaner electricity mix.
Quotes
"The G7 Energy Ministerial underscores the importance of the difficult work Canada is doing to modernize its approach to energy development and use. The world needs Canada's energy resources and our investments in clean technology will create more highly sought-after products and expertise. Being an energy leader means continually improving our domestic energy systems, fostering clean technology, and delivering policy and regulatory innovations to improve environmental performance and energy security globally."
Jim Carr, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources
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G7 Kitakyushu Energy Ministerial Joint Statement
News Release:
Minister Carr Hosts North American Energy Ministers Meeting, Winnipeg, February 12, 2016
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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
Alexandre Deslongchamps, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister, Natural Resources Canada, 343-292-6837 Or Media Relations, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, 343-292-6100
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