Agency press officer Roxanne Smith told International Longwall News the centre would serve as a central source of information on methane projects domestically and internationally for the country.
The announcement comes with solid backing, she said: “The US Trade and Development Agency has been a strong supporter of the clearinghouse. The US Department of Energy also supports the clearinghouse under the US-India Dialogue.”
The centre will be operated by the India Ministry of Coal in partnership with the India Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and according to the agency will have a kick-off event sponsored by the US Trade and Development Agency in mid-2007. It will join other clearinghouses in countries such as Russia, China, the Ukraine and Poland.
Methane to Markets steering committee chair William Wehrum commented on the announcement of the centre’s establishment: “This clearinghouse will provide valuable information to potential investors and project developers interested in coal bed and coal mine methane projects in India. This commitment represents yet another initiative between the United States and India that will support clean development and energy security."
Smith noted that Methane to Markets and the EPA hope that the India centre will “lead to additional activities in the region”, as India is the third largest coal-producing nation worldwide. “The EPA is looking forward to working with the government of India on this important endeavour.”
Deputy chief of mission for the Embassy of India Ambassador Jassal concurred on the importance of the development for both countries: “India and the US are working together to strengthen our collaboration and diversify our efforts to effectively use all of our energy resources. The clearinghouse will help us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase our energy generating capacity and to increase private investment, both foreign and domestic.”
It is anticipated there will be two offices, at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in New Delhi and at the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute in Ranchi, India.
