The Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDE) is a world-wide consortium of countries that have agreed to share energy-related scientific and technical information with the goal of promoting international cooperation in energy research and development. As Operating Agent for ETDE, the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, handles the daily tasks that keep the Exchange functioning smoothly. OSTI acquire and processes data submitted by member countries and implements ETDE Executive Committee decisions.
The ETDE Implementing Agreement was signed in Paris on 26 January 1987 by representative of 11 countries. Since that time five other countries have joined the Exchange and two more will join in 1995. During Fiscal Year 1994, the following countries participated in the Exchange: Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The primary medium through which this collaboration effort occurs is an official information-sharing system known as the Energy Database. The ETDE Energy Database contains the world's largest collection of energy literature, with more than 3 million abstracted and index records. The database includes such varied subjects as environmental aspects of energy production and use, energy policy and planning, as well as the basic sciences that support energy research and development.
For more information: Debbie Cutler, Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Department of Energy, P. O. Box 62, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 (423) 576-1272.
