Energy and Minerals

DOI is committed to developing a "robust and sustainable clean energy economy" as part of its Clean Energy Future objectives.

With support from the U.S. Department of State and USAID, the DOI International Technical Assistance Program works with partners around the world to build technical capacity on energy and minerals governance. Through targeted on-site training, U.S.-based study-tours, and workshops, DOI expertise in oil, gas, and renewable energy, both on-shore and off-shore, as well as mining can help our allies achieve our shared low-emissions goals.  

Check out some of our recent energy and minerals projects below!

RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

Sustainable Development of Lithium Resources (Argentina)

DOI-ITAP is advancing the sustainable mining of lithium in Argentina. 

Lithium plays a critical role in the transition away from fossil fuels to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and reach ambitious carbon pollution-free targets around the globe. Argentina, along with neighboring Chile and Bolivia, make up the “Lithium Triangle” – a region that contains about 67% of proven lithium reserves worldwide. Argentina is on track to become the second largest producer of lithium by 2030.  

DOI-ITAP --  along with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program and the U.S. Geological Survey --  is working with Argentina’s federal and provincial mining authorities to build capacity for sustainable lithium development, providing technical assistance in such areas as water management and hydrogeological modeling.  

Managing water associated with mining is especially important for nearby communities and groundwater-dependent ecosystems.  

DOI-ITAP is proud to be supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources in this effort. 

PREVIOUS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

Mining Regulations in Indonesia

DOI-ITAP advised Indonesia's Ministry of Mines on strategic decentralization of government role and responsibilities for mining activities.

• Primary Partner: USAID/Indonesia

Offshore Oil and Gas Environmental Protection and Safety in Mexico

DOI-ITAP helped develop improved regulations for the offshore oil and gas sector in Mexico.

• Primary Partner: State Department/Bureau of Energy Resources 

Supporting Oil Spill Response Authorities in South America and Africa

DOI-ITAP helped develop oil spill response plans in Guyana, Colombia, Mexico, Liberia, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka.

• Primary Partner: State Department/Bureau of Energy Resources

Promoting Energy Security in Africa (Kenya)

DOI-ITAP advancws African energy security by installing 600 biogas digester cookstoves across 20 community conservancies in northern Kenya. 

The biogas digesters, installed by DOI-ITAP partner Northern Rangelands Trust, turn animal waste, invasive vegetative matter, and other affordable biofuels into clean energy, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality for local communities.  

This is especially important for women and girls, who are typically responsible for collecting firewood and cooking in poorly ventilated spaces. 

DOI-ITAP was proud to support Kenya’s energy transition in partnership with USAID Kenya and East Africa. For more information, check out our project factsheet: Biogas Digester Program Factsheet.

Installing Renewable Energy Systems in Jamaica and Panama

DOI-ITAP installed clean energy alternatives (e.g., photovoltaic, solar water heaters, and wind turbine systems) in protected areas in Jamaica and Panama. Reduced energy consumption by up to 95%, and one off-grid site in Panama now generates 100% of energy needs.

• Primary Partner: State Department/Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

FACTSHEETS & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

DOI Conventional Energy Responsibilities and Expertise Factsheet