United States, Cyprus, Greece, Israel and Rice University To Establish Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center in Houston

HOUSTON, TEXAS—U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today signed a Declaration of Intent (DOI) with the Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus Michael Damianos, Minister of Environment and Energy for Greece Stavros Papastavrou, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Dr. Yechiel Leiter, and President of Rice University Reginald DesRoches to establish the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC). The agreement establishes a framework to strengthen cooperation between the respective nations through the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC). It also advances a key initiative envisioned under Secretary Rubio's Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019.

The agreement advances President Trump's commitment to strengthening America's partnerships with key allies while expanding opportunities for U.S. energy development, innovation, and investment. As global energy demand continues to grow, the United States, Cyprus, Greece, and Israel will work together to promote energy security, strengthen critical infrastructure, support emerging technologies, and advance long-term economic growth throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.

"The Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center will help fulfill President Trump's vision of prosperity and energy security at home and abroad," said Secretary Wright. "The Eastern Mediterranean is an increasingly important region for global energy development, and this agreement strengthens cooperation among key allies while advancing our shared goals of energy abundance, economic prosperity, and regional stability. By establishing the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center at Rice University in Houston, we are ensuring all member nations of this agreement will benefit from a lasting partnership bound together by the brightest minds and industry leaders in hydrocarbon development."

The partnership will support collaboration on shared priorities including natural gas development, U.S. LNG infrastructure, energy transportation networks, grid reliability, critical infrastructure resilience, and emerging technologies. It will also facilitate scientific and technical exchanges, research partnerships, workforce development initiatives, and engagement with industry stakeholders.

The Trump Administration remains committed to strengthening key energy partnerships that enhance global energy security, expand opportunities for U.S. energy leadership, and advance a more secure, prosperous, and energy-abundant future for the United States and its partners. Today, the United States is the largest producer of oil and natural gas as well as the world's largest LNG exporter. Thanks to President Trump, U.S. LNG exports are poised to more than double in the coming years, delivering prosperity at home and security abroad.