Prime Minister and the US Secretary of Energy discussed nuclear energy and natural gas

On Wednesday, 14 November 2018, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš met with US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry at the Straka Academy. They discussed energy cooperation, especially the development of nuclear energy in the Czech Republic and upcoming energy projects in Europe. The meeting was also attended by Minister of Industry and Trade Marta Nováková.

Both statesmen agreed that energy security is a matter of national security. According to Prime Minister Babiš, the United States is an important strategic partner and the main ally of the Czech Republic.

“Energy is one of the many areas where we share common ground with the United States. This is particularly true of nuclear energy, in which both our countries see a good source of electricity and a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We already have successful cooperation in the field of nuclear research and development. I very much appreciate the collaboration of the Řež Research Centre and the Oak Ridge American National Laboratory on researching ‘salt reactors’”, said Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.

They also talked about pan-European energy projects, including the Nord Stream II gas pipeline. Prime Minister Babiš explained the Czech Republic’s position on the matter and informed Secretary Perry that Europe is not united in its views on this gas pipeline. He added, however, that diversification of natural gas routes and sources generally increases energy security.

They also discussed business cooperation between the Czech Republic and the USA, with focus primarily on the American decision to introduce customs duties on imports of aluminium and steel from the EU. In the end of the meeting, Minister of Industry and Trade Nováková invited Secretary Perry to the next European Nuclear Forum, which will take place in Prague.