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Middle East can supply world's clean energy, says Biden's energy envoy

Amos J. Hochstein said the key lies in the effective transport of the region’s abundance of wind, sun and minerals to maintain its energy leadership.

Hochstein
US mediator Amos Hochstein holds a press conference before his departure at Beirut International Airport, Lebanon, Aug. 31, 2023. — ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images

Middle East countries can hold on to their leadership positions as global energy providers amid the industry push for cleaner energy while working with the United States and other allies, a US energy official said at an Al-Monitor/Semafor event on Wednesday. 

Amos J. Hochstein, special presidential coordinator for global infrastructure and energy security at the US State Department, said the key lies in the effective transport of the region’s abundance of wind, sun and minerals to maintain its energy leadership, while at the Middle East Global Summit in New York City. 

“The Middle East has an opportunity to replicate its role of the 20th century supplier of energy to the world to being the supplier of clean energy to the world,” said Hochstein, who works as a senior adviser to President Joe Biden on energy and investment matters. 

Hochstein told discussion host Douglas Lute, former US ambassador to NATO, that his role at the State Department involves coordinating the private and public sector, domestic and international partners, along with gathering investment. 

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