The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) convened officials from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, and the European Commission in Washington, D.C., to discuss further development of the Vertical Gas Corridor. This initiative follows previous meetings at the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation Summit in Athens in November 2025 and the Transatlantic Gas Security Summit held earlier this month.
Joshua Volz stated, “By partnering with the countries of the Vertical Corridor, we are opening major opportunities to expand U.S. LNG exports to Central and Eastern Europe. This effort is so important to our President and Secretary because it aligns with our nation’s strengths and commitment to supporting friends and allies across Europe.”
Participants included representatives from Energy Ministries, national regulators, and Transmission System Operators (TSOs). The group addressed several key objectives: resolving regulatory issues that affect long-term planning; harmonizing tariffs for cost competitiveness; and reviewing infrastructure investments needed to enable full corridor capacity.
According to DOE, today’s meeting underlines its ongoing commitment to strengthening U.S. energy leadership and providing reliable alternatives for allies who seek options beyond adversarial energy suppliers. The department continues efforts to reduce barriers for U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports as part of America’s role as a global energy provider.
In related efforts to improve energy efficiency domestically, DOE announced a Notice of Intent in July 2022 for a $225 million program funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aimed at implementing updated building energy codes nationwide. More information about this initiative can be found at https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-launches-225-million-program-lower-utility-bills-through-more.
Additionally, Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm has encouraged international cooperation on clean energy transitions through forums such as the Global Clean Energy Action Forum (GCEAF), inviting global participation in events like those held in Pittsburgh in September 2022. A video statement is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sebmi2QGbV4.
DOE has also highlighted technology development for environmental management missions before Congress and implemented innovative processes such as using crushed marble for groundwater remediation at legacy sites like Savannah River Site. Details are available at https://www.energy.gov/em/articles/technology-development-aiding-em-mission-senior-advisor-white-tells-congress and https://www.energy.gov/em/articles/srs-tackles-groundwater-issue-using-innovative-passive-energy-process.
Furthermore, DOE launched a $96 million funding opportunity in July 2022 focused on decarbonizing transportation by expanding electric vehicle charging access and advancing clean vehicle technologies: https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-96-million-advancing-clean-vehicle-technologies-reduce-carbon-emissions.
Finally, DOE supports equity initiatives through programs aligned with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative—aiming for disadvantaged communities to receive significant portions of federal clean energy investments—across more than 140 programs: https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-more-140-programs-supporting-president-bidens-justice40-initiative.
