Proposal for Digital Video Conference with an American

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000321 SIPDIS STATE FOR IIP/G/EA-SPRIETO; EAP/PD-AGRIMES; EAP/ANP-TWALSH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP NZ OEXC SCUL KPAO SUBJECT: Proposal for Digital Video Conference with an American Specialist on Alternative Renewable and Sustainable Energy Sources at the Dunedin (New Zealand) International Science Festival, July 7, 2006 ¶1. Post requests a U.S. specialist in alternative natural and sustainable energy sources for a digital video conference on (US date) Friday July 7 (NZ date: Saturday July 8). Time to be confirmed depending on location of the speaker. This DVC would form a major event in the Dunedin International Science Festival, which is being held in Dunedin July 3-9. ¶2. Justification: The New Zealand public is very interested in issues to do with renewable energy resources, as New Zealand produces the bulk of its electricity from hydro power. Demand is starting to outstrip production capacity, and alternative sources of energy are being researched and discussed. Most prominent in the new technologies is wind generated power. New Zealand imports all its oil requirements and is experiencing the negative effects of dramatic rises in oil and refined petroleum. The future of renewable energy resources is a major economic and political issue. Extending a power supply that can be produced while maintaining the clean, green image New Zealand projects to the world is being explored by national and local governments, as well as energy- producing companies in New Zealand. The perception in the New Zealand public of the United States' use of non-renewable energy sources is generally negative. It is not generally appreciated that the US develops many world-leading technologies that can and will assist energy conservation and the change to renewable energy sources. We believe this DVC will help improve the negative perception. A DVC (and the specialist speaker) at this major science festival on this topic will get extensive public and media attention. The DVC would be held at Otago University (Dunedin), which is the oldest (and most prestigious) university in New Zealand specializing in science, medicine, and political science. ¶3. Speaker: The Dunedin International Science Festival director has specifically requested Dr. Amory Lovins, CEO of the Rocky Mountain Institute in Colorado for this DVC. Post requests this speaker be considered our first priority; however, if this is not possible, then we would welcome alternative suggestions. Contact details for Dr Lovins are: http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid166.php#ALovi ns 1739 Snowmass Creek Road Snowmass, CO 81654-9199 Ph: (970) 927-3851. ¶4. Audience: The audience will consist of university specialists, politicians, energy lobbyists, energy company officials and employees, students, and members of the public. In particular, the Minster for Energy and the American Ambassador will be invited to participate. Press and radio reporters who cover energy issues nationally will also attend. ¶5. Format: The program will consist of a 30-minute talk followed by 30-40 minutes of a question-and-answer format based on the speaker's requirements and suggestions in advance. Questions from the audience can also be forwarded in advance if required. ¶6. Post Project Officer: Control Officer: Richard Benge, Cultural Affairs Specialist Office phone: 011-644-462-6052; Mobile: 011-64-21-217-1002 Fax: 011-644-499-0490. Email: benger@state.gov Technical Officer: The DVC will take place on site at Otago University, and details are yet to be provided. Thank you for considering this request. Burnett, Acting