Mission

We coordinate with all DOE Program Offices and support offices on issues affecting nuclear security and energy cooperation with China.

• Nuclear Security:  Further strengthen nonproliferation and emergency response to improve nuclear security in China and U.S.
• Energy Security: Promote U.S.-China projects and programs on reliable, sustainable and environmentally sound energy supplies and energy demand to create green jobs, spur competitiveness and combat climate change.
• Scientific & Technological Innovation: Support U.S.-China research and collaboration that improves quality of life and economic growth.

Functions

• Support the Embassy in achieving national security goals in nuclear and energy security
• Work diligently with Chinese counterparts to facilitate programs and identify areas for greater collaboration
• Foster cooperation between all DOE offices and their Chinese counterparts
 Conduct requested analysis
 Coordinate programs
 Develop implementation plans
 Facilitate meetings & events

Nuclear Security, Nuclear Energy & Nonproliferation

DOE China contributes to DOE’s greater goal of ensuring America’s nuclear security by promoting the safe, secure and environmentally friendly use of nuclear energy worldwide; by enhancing security at facilities that store nuclear and radiological materials, and by deterring and preventing illicit trafficking of nuclear and radiological materials.

On nuclear security and nonproliferation, we work with our Chinese counterparts to install radiation detection equipment at key border crossings, to enhance physical protection and material control and accounting  systems at nuclear facilities, to strengthen security at  facilities that house radiological materials, to share information and lessons learned on such issues as nuclear security culture and inspections at nuclear facilities, to promote secure transportation, and to strengthen emergency response capabilities in the event of a nuclear incident.

On nuclear energy, we work with Chinese counterparts to support China’s application of AP 1000 technology, to promote the safety of nuclear power plants, to carry out research and share information on next generation nuclear technologies, and to cooperate in multilateral fora to promote the safe, secure use of nuclear energy.

Agreements and Initiatives:
• Agreement on Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology
• Megaports Initiative
• International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation
• Emergency Management
• International Radiological Threat Reduction
• Six Party Talk Support
• Multilateral Export Control Program
• Bilateral Civilian Nuclear Energy Action Plan

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy plays an increasingly important role in our nation’s and China’s energy mix.  We work to facilitate joint research and projects to increase wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and water power.
• Renewable Energy Partnership
• Biofuels & Electric Vehicles Forums

Energy Efficiency

As economic and industry growth continues in China we help promote efficient building technology and increased energy efficiency in industry.
• Energy Efficiency Forum
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Protocol
• MOUs on Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Industry

Fossil Energy

Fossil fuels - coal, oil, and natural gas - currently provide more than 85 % of all the energy consumed in the United States and 93% of that consumed in China.  Thus, we aim to foster innovative ways to make the future production and use of fossil fuels cleaner and more efficient.

• Oil and Gas Industry Forum (OGIF).  Held annually for over a decade, OGIF is the only event that brings together industry and government from both countries to explore common issues and improve industry investments and efficiencies.
• Fossil Energy Protocol (FEP).  FEP promotes cooperation in power systems, clean fuels, oil and gas, energy and environmental control technologies, and climate science.  Held annually for a decade, the FEP forum reviews successes in collaboration and plans for cooperation going forward.

Cross-Cutting Initiatives

We support bilateral endeavors that cut across energy areas, strengthening the breadth and depth of cooperation.

• The U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) is designed to provide $150 million over 5 years to create new energy technologies.
• The U.S.-China Energy Policy Dialog (EPD) is the principal annual gathering of senior government energy leaders to discuss timely issues of mutual interest.
• The Ten Year Framework (TYF) involves commitments by both governments to achieving cleaner power, transportation and higher energy efficiency.
• The Energy Cooperation Program (ECP) ties government with industry to spur the creation of clean energy.

Science & Technology

DOE works with its Chinese counterparts to advance research and development in high energy physics, nuclear fusion, neutrino properties and other areas.
 
• The High Energy Physics Implementing Accord advances theoretical and experimental research.  Specific areas of collaboration include the Beijing Electron Positron Collider (BEPC) and the Daya Bay Neutrino Experiment.
• The Protocol on Nuclear Physics and Controlled Magnetic Fusion focuses on plasma physics, fusion technology, advanced design studies, and materials research.
• ITER is an effort by China, E.U., India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the U.S. to build the world’s largest fusion facility, demonstrating the feasibility of fusion power.