U.S. Led Projects

In conjunction with private-sector organizations, the U.S. Government implements numerous projects that respond to the Action Plans of each Task Force.  The APP Program Office housed at the Department of State leads the U.S. Government (USG) effort under the APP and coordinates with other Agencies carrying out APP projects.  Federal Agencies involved in implementing APP projects include:

Department of State	United State Agency for International Development
Department of Energy	Department of the Interior
Environmental Proctection Agency	Department of Commerce

Developed in conjunction with the U.S. members of each Task Force, these projects work to further the objectives of the Partnership and address the issues deemed most critical by the Task Forces.  For more information on each of the Task Force Action Plans, please visit the Task Force pages using the navigation bar to the left.

For information on projects being implemented by other Partner countries, please visit the APP International Website.

To submit your project proposal for consideration by an APP Task Force, please use the online Project Submission Form.

Task Forces

Aluminum
Buildings and Appliances
Cement 
Cleaner Fossil Energy 
Coal
Power Generation and Transmission 
Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation
Steel

Additional Projects

Finance
Cross Sector

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ALUMINUM TASK FORCE

The aluminum industry is one of the fastest growing sectors, with rapid growth in developing countries. The Aluminum Task Force is working to advance industries towards global perfluorocarbon (PFC) reduction objectives, and to address energy efficiency and other CO2 process emissions by promoting best practice performance, increasing technical support and identifying impediments to deployment of best available and affordable technology.ÿ

Highlight Projects Include:

Linkage of Aluminum Technology Provider in the United States and India

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, Secat, Inc.

This project is currently resulting in the development of an internet-based register for technology providers in the United States and India associated with the aluminum industry. The project has created an internet-based register of technology providers in the United States and India associated with the aluminum industry which is enabling access to resources for implementing changes for environmental and commercial performance of all aluminum industry operations in both countries.

For more information on U.S. involvement in the Task Force and for a complete list of U.S. led projects, please visit the  Aluminum Task Force page.

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BUILDINGS AND APPLIANCES TASK FORCE

The Buildings and Appliances Task Force is working on more than 40 activities under 11 project areas to reduce overall building energy consumption, including the energy consumed by appliances, equipment, office and consumer electronics, and lighting.ÿ The United States is directly involved in 23 of these activities through matching-grants programs implemented with private sector collaboration and through U.S. Government (USG) sponsored initiatives at multiple federal agencies.

Many of the U.S. led projects under the Buildings and Appliances Task Force focus on developing standards and labeling programs for appliances to easily identify energy efficient products, harmonizing appliance testing procedures to provide for a uniform method of measuring energy efficiency, improving efficiency in existing buildings through retrofitting, and promoting the adoption of energy-efficient building techniques in new structures.

Highlight Projects Include:

The Urban Climate Project for Building Clean and Efficient Cities

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI)

This project is currently facilitate a reduction in energy usage and GHG emissions in Indian cities through a multi-sector clean development that creates market places for clean technologies and implements on-the-ground projects in coordination with local government projects. This project is already resulting in the facilitation of new clean building codes, energy efficient equipment purchases, renewable and distributed generation in new developments, use of transit, methane capture for proposed landfills, and the purchase of GHG-friendly cement products for roads and buildings. This project is expected to create a 10-20% reduction in energy usage and GHG emissions in 1-3 urban centers.

Support for Implementation of an Energy Efficiency Endorsement Labeling Program for India

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

USEPA, USDOS, and the Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) have established a partnership to expand technical assistance to the Indian Ministry of Power and its BEE in developing and implementing an endorsement labeling program for consumer electronics products.ÿThis builds on work USEPA has supported for several years.ÿThis project is closely coordinating with the standards and labeling project led by the Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP).ÿThe original goal was to initiate a new endorsement labeling program with specifications for at least two products by December 2008, but the current ambitious timetable is to launch the first two labels for TVs and set top boxes (STB) in June 2008.ÿÿAt a February 2008 meeting with members of the BEE Technical Committee (TC) for TV and STB label specifications, it was agreed to use recommended test procedures for standby and on modes for TVs that are identical to those in the recently finalized ENERGY STAR revised specifications for most TV models.ÿThe proposed approach represents an improvement over current values and would move toward international values over a few years.ÿ Standby power allowed would be lowered to 1 watt for all TVs by 2010.

For more information on U.S. involvement in the Task Force and for a complete list of U.S. led projects, please visit the Buildings and Appliances Task Force page.

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CEMENT TASK FORCE

The Cement Task Force facilitates the uptake of best available technology and environmental management systems in Asia Pacific Partnership countries. This facilitation is accomplished through the introduction and/or replacement of old technology (primarily the wet kiln process) in favor of dry processing technologies, energy efficient technologies, process improvements, power generation from waste heat recovery and enhanced co- processing of low grade primary fuels and industry wastes.

The Task Force aims to facilitate the sharing of information on best practices so that these may be replicated where appropriate in this very de-centralized sector, foster additional research in the cement sector, identify and address barriers to the utilization of these clean technologies, and to focus on efforts to reduce SOx, NOx and stack dust which are essential to the global effort to reduce air pollution.

Highlight Projects Include:

Foster GHG Emission Reduction Technologies in the Indian Cement Industry

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, Confederation of Indian Industry

This project is currently developing a system to establish a road map for future sustainable growth of the Indian cement industry by implementing a detailed analysis of the cement sector focusing on energy efficiency and GHG emission reduction potential. In addition the project has started a GHG emission reduction inventory of 15 cement manufacturing units which will include baselines and voluntary targets. Also this project is currently developing a best practices manual and will provide best practices workshops

For more information on U.S. involvement in the Task Force and for a complete list of U.S. led projects, please visit the Cement Task Force page.

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CLEANER FOSSIL ENERGY TASK FORCE

The Cleaner Fossil Energy Task Force is working on 16 initial projects and activities as first steps to facilitate its goal of using a range of key advanced coal and gas technologies that can power a cleaner economy while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air-borne pollutants, and other environmental impacts.ÿ The U.S. is actively involved in six projects through matching-grants programs implemented with private sector collaboration, private sector contributions, and through U.S. Government (USG) sponsored initiatives at multiple federal agencies.

The Task Force is particularly focused on exploring advanced clean coal technologies such as IGCC, increasing research and demonstration of carbon capture and storage, and increasing access to natural gas throughout Partner countries.ÿ These projects will accelerate demonstration, deployment and transfer of key technologies to improve environmental and economic performance of fossil fuel use.

Highlight Projects Include:

Coal Mine Methane to Energy Feasibility Study

Participating Organizations: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

In conjunction with EPA and the Methane to Markets Partnership, the APP has initiated a coal mine methane to energy project in the Hebi coal mining area, located in China's central Henan Province. EPA will be conducting a full feasibility study for the project which as the ability to leverage large scale private sector investment on the order of $15 millionÿand result in mitigation of 250,000 metric tons of CO2e each year, the annual carbon equivalent to removing up to 45,000 passenger vehicles from the roads.

For more information on U.S. involvement in the Task Force and for a complete list of U.S. led projects, please visit the Cleaner Fossil Energy Task Force page .

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COAL MINING TASK FORCE

The Coal Mining Task Force is working on more than 18 activities to facilitate technologies and practices to improve coal mining and beneficiation efficiency, reduce coal?s environmental impacts, and improve coal mining?s safety record.ÿ The United States is actively involved in these activities through matching-grants programs implemented with private sector collaboration and through U.S. Government (USG) sponsored initiatives at multiple federal agencies.

Many of the U.S. led projects under the Coal Mining Task Force focus on facilitating technologies and practices that can improve the economics and efficiencies of mining and processing and continue to improve safety and reduce environmental impacts.

Highlight Projects Include:

Dry Beneficiation of Thermal Coals in India

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

This project is currently constructing a pilot-scale deshaling unit to be installed at a coal site in India which is serving as a research unit to permit engineers to design a full-scale proof-of-concept deshaling plant in India.ÿThis project is improving energy utilization in coal mining and reducing emissions of fly ash.ÿBy creating and testing this pilot-scale deshaling unit, Indian and US engineers are able to develop a full-scale unit for commercial use. This technology is improving energy utilization due to reduced requirements for transporting, processing and burning high-ash rock, it is reducing emissions of fly ash and air pollutant precursors of environmental concern such as arsenic, selenium, chromium and mercury, and it is mitigating the overuse of the railways and power stations in India.

Increasing Recovery and Use of Coal Mine Methane

Participating Organizations: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The United States Environmental Protection Agency is conducting a coal mine methane feasibility study at the Hebi mine in Henan, China. The $400,000 study includes analysis of methane resource data, market assessment for the produced methane, evaluation of degas and utilization technologies, preliminary engineering design, estimates of project capital and operating costs, and economic & financial analysis with cash flow projections.  Benefits of utilizing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, at this mine include improved air quality and mine safety, a new source of clean, local energy, an additional revenue stream for the coal mine, increased mine productivity, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information on U.S. involvement in the Task Force and for a complete list of U.S. led projects, please visit the Coal Mining Task Force page.

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POWER GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION TASK FORCE

The Power Generation and Transmission (PG&T) Task Force is working on 13 projects that are assessing opportunities for practical actions to develop and deploy power generation, transmission and demand-side management technologies that can aid development and mitigate climate concerns.ÿ The U.S. is directly involved in all 13 of these activities through matching-grants programs implemented with private sector collaboration, private sector contributions, and through U.S. Government (USG) sponsored initiatives at multiple federal agencies.

The PG&T Task Force is improving the operations and maintenance of existing power plants through a series of best practices site visits and workshops.ÿ Existing power plants have vast potential to improve efficiency through no-cost and low cost measures that could result in substantial increases in efficiency.ÿ Additionally, the Task Force is focusing on demand side management measures that can improve efficiency throughout states and municipalities in Partner countries.
Highlighted projects:

Highlight Projects Include:

Power Plant Efficiency and Combustion Optimization

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development - India

Plant performance and reliability in India is a serious issue resulting from the lack of appropriate operation and maintenance practices causing rapid deterioration of plant efficiency, reliability and maximum sustainable output. This project currently demonstrates, in State Electricity Board owned coal fired power stations, current technological best practices in operation and maintenance diagnostics, monitoring, and provides training to power plant staff in sustaining high level plant efficiency.

Promoting Clean Energy Options in the Electricity Supply and Demand Sector in India for the Asia-Pacific Partnership

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

This project is currently addressing barriers to energy efficiency improvements in India?s electricity market by providing support to regulatory commissions and electric utilities in India to improve capacity and undertake demand side management initiatives. The project is also sharing lessons learned in the United States to overcome institutional, regulatory, and procedural barriers to energy efficiency and is provide technical assistance and training. Since commencing the project in September of 2007, LBNL is alleviating energy supply shortages in the Indian state of Maharashtra by addressing institutional, regulatory, and procedural barriers to supporting energy efficiency improvements in the electricity market. The project has facilitated the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Agreement between energy regulators in the Indian state of Maharashtra and California?s Energy Commission and Public Utilities Commission.

For more information on U.S. involvement in the Task Force and for a complete list of U.S. led projects, please visit the Power Generation and Transmission Task Force page.

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RENEWABLE ENERGY AND DISTRIBUTED GENERATION TASK FORCE

The Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation (REDG) Task Force is working on more than 32 projects to achieve measurable outcomes that accelerate deployment of renewable energy and distributed generation.ÿ The U.S. is directly involved in 11 of these activities through matching-grants programs implemented with private sector collaboration, private sector contributions, and through U.S. Government (USG) sponsored initiatives at multiple federal agencies.

The REDG Task Force is creating a comprehensive policy inventory and analysis, looking at financial barriers to the deployment of renewable energy technologies, and grid interconnection of renewable technologies.ÿ The Task Force is also exploring ways to close the remaining gap between the cost of renewable energy generation and conventional generation and identify market and policy barriers to enable Partner countries to achieve their deployment goals.

Highlight Projects Include:

Grid Connected RE and DG Partnerships

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, United States Energy Association

Current power plants in India rely heavily on sources like coal that increase greenhouse gas emissions. This project focuses on the identification of barriers to deployment and increasing the utilization of renewable energy and distributed generation projects. This project is facilitating the deployment of renewable energy and distributed generation technology in India by identifying enabling environments including, but not limited to, finances, regulation and policies.

Rural Entrepreneurship Zones - Bridging the Economic Divide through Renewable Energy Based Empowerment

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, Society for Development Alternatives

This project is resulting in the increased deployment of green power in India by establishing Rural Entrepreneurship Zones (REZ) and providing critical outreach and support services to businesses in key sectors. This project is promoting green power by developing a portfolio of connected businesses, focused on the building materials and traditional skill-based craft sectors, coupled with necessary support services such as green power. Additionally this project is demonstrating the financial and institutional viability for REZ?s and is building and nurturing partnerships for leveraging ?policy support and financial investments? to accelerate the adoption and replication of REZs throughout India.

For more information on U.S. involvement in the Task Force and for a complete list of U.S. led projects, please visit the Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation Task Force page.

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STEEL TASK FORCE

The Steel Task Force facilitates the uptake of best available technology, practices and environmental management systems in Asia Pacific Partnership countries together with increased recycling. The Task Force also assists in the provision of expert advice regarding opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions levels through the introduction of existing and emerging technologies with focus on China and India.ÿ

Highlight Projects Include:

A State of the Art Clean Technology Handbook to Document Technologies and Practices for Saving Energy and Reducing Environmental Impacts in the Steel Industry

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Energy ? Industrial Technologies Program

This project developed a State-of-the-Art Clean Technologies Handbook for the Steel Task Force to document technologies and practices for saving energy and reducing environmental impacts in the steel industry. This project is complete and the technology handbook is in use in all APP countries. (Project Complete) The technologies are being adopted by steel plants in India.

For more information on U.S. involvement in the Task Force and for a complete list of U.S. led projects, please visit the Steel Task Force page.

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FINANCE

Accelerating Clean Energy Markets

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, The World Resources Institute (WRI)

This project is accelerate the growth of clean energy markets in India through its comprehensive Local Investment Capacity Building strategy which involves three complementary elements: (a) engaging current and potential investors in the clean energy space, (b) identifying promising clean energy enterprises to showcase to investors, and (c) providing analytic support for innovative financing mechanisms that would increase the ability of investors to transfer capital to the clean energy sector. This project is cultivating small and medium enterprises as engines for clean energy delivery and market development. This project is resulting in initiatives to reduce India's greenhouse gas emissions, improve its energy security, encourage economic development, and alleviate poverty.

Establishment and Replication of State Energy Conservation Funds in India

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development – Regional Development Mission - Asia

Under India's Conservation Act of 2001, Indian states are mandated to establish energy conservation funds at the state level. The grantee of this project is assisting the State of Maharashtra to develop such a fund. In addition the grantee is assisting in the design and implementation of the State Energy Conservation Fund and will produce materials related to the fund design and operations which will be used for replication purposes to raise awareness of the benefits of a State Energy Conservation Fund.

Support for Clean Energy Forum

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State,: U.S. Agency for International Development – Regional Development Mission - Asia

This project is being implemented to expand the Asia Clean Energy Forum and enhance its effectiveness as well as link it to the broad array of clean energy activities represented under the Asia Pacific Partnership umbrella. This funded project facilitated the attendance of more than 400 officials from 37 countries to attend the Clean Energy Forum the first of which was held in June of 2007.

Mobilizing Commercial Finance for Clean Energy Development

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development – Regional Development Mission - Asia

This project implements activities that systematically address barriers to clean energy finance. The Project Preparation Facility draws on a pool of energy finance experts to identify and prepare projects so that they are eligible for loans and investments. The Project Preparation Facility convenes periodic investment forums which bring together developers and investors, with the aim of matching project sponsors with investment sources.

The Washington International Renewable Energy Conference

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, United States Energy Association

The Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC 2008), held in March 2008, furthered APP objectives by bringing together government, civil society and private sector leaders to address the benefits and costs of a major and rapid scale-up in the global deployment of renewable energy technology. This project enabled participation of APP developing country attendees who were able to gain a better understanding of renewable energy and the multiple policy options and best practices that encourage renewable energy up-take. Through their participation, the attendees were able to build capacity, develop networks and find potential technical and investment partners to explore and initiate renewable energy projects.

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CROSS SECTOR

Voluntary Program to Promote Ecologically Sustainable Business Growth for Indian Industry

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, Confederation of Indian Industry

This project has already begun to develop a voluntary program to promote ecologically sustainable business growth in India by drawing on past experiences and learning with the United states Environmental protection Agency. This project is circulating a voluntary code and has launched a signature campaign to initiate and advance a voluntary program to promote ecologically sustainable business growth in India. This project has already disseminated sustainable business practices among Indian industries and is resulting in the reduction of GHG emissions, and the increase in economic growth. The draft “Code for Ecologically Sustainable Business Growth” has already been developed and is being circulated to industry units. Already the project has facilitated two CEO voluntary code presentations meetings and 38 India companies have sign on.

Clean Energy Trade Mission& Local Industry Outreach

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Commerce

This project is develop ing and implement ing a series of clean energy trade/reverse trade mission to/from India and China and is also develop ing and implement ing outreach activities that highlight the relevance and importance of energy efficiency, GHG emissions reductions , and the development and deployment of clean energy technology. This project has greatly supported the expansion and acceleration of the development and deployment of clean and renewable energy technologies. Results from APP-facilitated trade missions for businesses and government leaders project over $12 million in near-term U.S. exports in renewable energy technology.

Analysis and Outreach Energy Sector Methane Recovery and Use – India

Participating Organizations: U.S. Department of State, International Energy Association

This project is gathering data and providing analysis to outline methane emissions (and associated GHG emissions reduction benefits) in the natural gas and solid waste sectors in India. The successful completion of this project is resulting in the production of resources (Reports) which identify opportunities to mitigate and reduce methane emissions in the natural gas and petroleum sectors leading to increased energy supply security and emissions reductions.