U.S. Secretary Of Energy, Granholm Highlights Urgency Of Clean Energy Transition At P-TECC Ministerial In Romania

During her address at the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy and Climate Cooperation (P-TECC) Ministerial, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the critical importance of advancing clean energy initiatives to tackle both climate change and geopolitical instability.

Secretary Granholm praised Romania’s leadership in clean energy development, noting its diverse initiatives ranging from nuclear to geothermal energy. She highlighted the collaboration with private sector partners to drive energy transition policies and technologies.

Addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Granholm condemned Russia’s actions and highlighted the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, including the electric grid. She reiterated the global community’s united stance in support of Ukraine and the importance of a clean energy transition in mitigating similar crises in the future.

Granholm underscored the broader implications of the clean energy transition beyond economic benefits, stressing its necessity for combating climate change. She outlined the United States’ efforts under the Biden-Harris Administration to lead this transition through unprecedented investments in clean energy technologies and infrastructure.

“Reaching net zero by 2050 is not an option—it’s a necessity. An imperative. And we need to do this work, as you all know, right now if we’re going to get there,” Granholm stated.

She detailed the U.S. achievements, including the opening of 785 clean energy factories nationwide and significant strides in reducing emissions and improving public health. Granholm highlighted the global progress in renewable energy, with record additions in solar and wind capacity and the rapid adoption of electric vehicles.

Granholm stressed the need for continued investment and innovation in clean energy infrastructure, likening the grid infrastructure to essential transportation corridors. She called for a concerted effort to build out the clean energy workforce, particularly in skilled trades like electricians.

The Secretary expressed optimism about the future, citing strong transatlantic partnerships like P-TECC and the collective commitment to advancing nuclear and geothermal energy. She welcomed Iceland as a P-TECC ally and praised the collaborative efforts in workforce development and clean energy deployment.

“We’re fighting, not just for each of our countries, but for all of humanity,” Granholm concluded, invoking a Tribal proverb, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children.” She urged global leaders to make the right choices for future generations.