Goldwyn Speaks on U.S. Energy Security Policy

Speaking recently at the Woodrow Wilson Institute for International Studies, David Goldwyn, the State Department’s special envoy for international energy affairs, said that making sure markets are open, fair, and transparent is a key tenet of the U.S.’s global energy security agenda

“Open energy markets—which is the ability of oil and gas to flow to the purchaser—is really the core of our energy security,” said Goldwyn.

Goldwyn touted two projects his office has launched.

The Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative seeks to improve transparency. The State Department assessed countries with 40 billion barrels of undiscovered oil and gas potential, which are on track to become energy producers. Launched in nine countries so far—including Uganda, Liberia, and Suriname—the Initiative pools the expertise from across the U.S. government to teach these nations to manage the business end of energy production before the revenues flow so they can govern better.

The second project is the Global Shale Gas Initiative. “Shale has revolutionized the global gas market,” said Goldwyn. It’s in large supply and available on the spot market in Europe and elsewhere. For countries primarily using coal for energy, accessing natural gas would use half the carbon output of coal. Many nations could produce an indigenous supply and costs would be lower due to higher efficiency.

In 20 countries, the Initiative teaches about governance, environmental impact, transmission, pricing, and how to develop unconventional gas safely. This Initiative also uses the whole-of-government approach and, said Goldwyn, the effects ultimately would be good for the environment, climate, and economic development.

In responding to questions, Goldwyn dealt with the issues of the environment and drilling for shale gas.

"The first point is that you have to have safe practices for natural gas drilling, period.”

He also spoke in respect to concerns about water contamination, an issue addressed as part  of the State Department's shale gas initiative.

"If you can use nonpotable water, that's terrific but you still have disposal challenges. You also use an enormous amount of energy to move water. There's a great deal of synergy between water and energy issues," he said.

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