AOMORI — Energy security, closely connected to global warming issues, has become a hot topic in recent years, but one important aspect of it is relatively unknown: the combined amount of public spending by developed countries on energy technology development has dropped to about half its peak in 1980.
On Sunday, the Group of Eight economies, as well as China, India and South Korea, recognized the crucial role of innovative energy technology research, development and demonstration.
"We should collectively endeavor to increase energy R&D and demonstration according to our national circumstances," the 11 countries said in their joint statement.