24th World Energy Congress Explores Crucial Role Of Government Support

The role of the energy industry in tackling climate change and creating a more inclusive society were among the key topics addressed as discussions between global experts and business leaders continued at the 24th World Energy Congress.

For the third consecutive day delegates gathered at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ADNEC, for more talks on reshaping the future of the energy industry.

Based on the theme ‘Inclusive prosperity: New policy imperatives’, a range of high-level speakers over 15 sessions explored many of the questions and challenges that are to be resolved in delivering a successful energy transition.

The day’s opening plenary session focused on the role governments can play in solving today’s energy and climate challenges and how the support and consensus of consumers and the public is essential to the successful transition to renewables.

Taking part in the session titled ‘Driving innovation: The role of governments in the future of energy’ were Diego Mesa Puyo, Colombia’s Vice Minister of Energy, Joao Galamba, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Energy, and Serge Colle, Partner, Global Power and Utilities Advisory Leader of EY.

Galamba explained how Portugal is moving ahead with ambitious and long-term plans for a hugely diversified energy mix that cuts emissions while not impacting consumers.

"It is easy to talk about saving the planet if you are comfortable, but if you have needs and are poor it is not a priority," he said. "Our challenge is to set clean energy goals that can be addressed by future and existing technology and that present a fair deal to consumers."

Already one of the leading nations in the use of renewables, Galamba said Portugal wants to move from 60 percent renewables in its electrical systems to 80 percent by 2030 and from 30 percent of renewables in total energy consumption to 47 percent by 2050.

"These goals are important, but what is more important is that we show to citizens this is an opportunity and not a threat that will lower their living standards or increase their costs, but rather the opposite," he said.

"You cannot do this kind of policy with the people against you. A general consensus among the people and political parties, which we have in Portugal, is the way to go. This enables stability and promotes investment."

Colle said governments are best placed to accelerate the transition to renewables by supporting innovation and the introduction of new technology, by engaging the consumer through economic processes that benefit them and by championing energy efficiency throughout the sector.

"Governments are crucial for sustainability and security of supply. If you think about where we are now in terms of the Paris Agreement and where we are heading, the challenges are bigger than ever before and the government is the only player that can help solve the problem," he said.

Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Industry and Chairman of the World Energy Congress Organising Committee, welcomed delegates to a side event taking place on the third day of the congress.

Organised by the Clean Energy Ministerial, of which the UAE is member, Dr. Matar told delegates that energy innovation "needs encouragement, it needs investment and it needs time to market".

"Delivering sufficient power to meet demand while reducing emissions is an important topic, one we have heard about in many discussions in recent days as experts, analysts and policy makers shared ideas," said Dr. Matar.

"It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but we need to examine and understand the variety of approaches and work closer together to meet the bigger challenges."

Dr. Matar explained that shifts in the energy industry are often described as "disruptive"

"But," he added, "these changes are deliberate and desirable as the world looks to a sustainable future. This must be our destination.

"Here in the UAE, we have already begun the journey by embracing a healthy diversification of energy sources," said Dr. Matar. "The commitment is in place, the investment has been made and the political will of the UAE is driving an agenda to ensure sustainability and prosperity for all."

On the third day of the World Energy Congress, the Parallel Session ‘Energy, Water, Food: An ecosystem on the cusp’, saw delegates discuss how rising populations, rapid urbanisation and economic growth are increasing the need for sustainable practices when it comes to water, food and energy.

Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of the Dutch city of Rotterdam, told attendees at the session: "Water is a friend and a big enemy at the same time, and we must treat water as a source of energy like how we do with oil."

Rae Kwon Chung, Chairman of the Global Energy Prize International Award Committee, said it is important for society to "make peace with nature".

"Climate change is exasperating the negative cycle between water, energy and food," he said. "We must recognise the risk and threat of climate change as the world does not see it as a priority.

"We must create a win-win situation between the climate and economy where clean energy can create a sustainable society and ensure food security for all."

The World Energy Council, in partnership with global consultancy firm Oliver Wyman, unveiled a comprehensive report on the progress of almost 130 countries in developing policies for Energy Security, Equity and Environmental Sustainability.

Launched on the third day of the 24th World Energy Congress in Abu Dhabi, the 2019 World Energy Trilemma Index uses global and national data to provide an objective rating of national energy policy and performance.

New to this year’s report is an analysis of historic trends, which gives policy makers an opportunity to track their policy performance over time. Comprehensive data and analytical insights are a necessary tool for policymakers to develop a coherent approach to the global energy future.

Dr. Angela Wilkinson, Senior Director Scenarios and Business Insights, World Energy Council, said: "For the very first time, the World Energy Trilemma Index provides new insights into energy policy performance over time.

"Every policy maker can and should use the Index as a unique and useful tool to establish their national baseline and explore how best to improve their energy policy performance."

Young professionals also made their voices heard during the Future Energy Leaders Programme at the World Energy Congress.

A platform for the leaders of tomorrow to collaborate with their peers, the programme focused on the Market of Ideas, which incorporates a number of initiatives, events and projects that will help shape the future of the industry.

It has become a key initiative for the World Energy Council, helping the young professionals to understand the importance of all energy sectors, address the world’s most pressing challenges and deliver innovative projects.

The fourth and final day of the 24thWorld Energy Congress will feature four keynote addresses and a series of important sessions.

The last day will also provide an opportunity for delegates to recap the key issues that have been discussed throughout the prestigious event held in Abu Dhabi and what steps to take ahead of the 25th edition of the World Energy Congress, which is due to take place in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2022.

Alexander Novak, Minister of Energy, Russian Federation, will join Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Industry, to look back on the week’s events before the official handover ceremony to the Russian delegation.

Taking place at ADNEC, the closing session, entitled ‘Reflections on the week: Energy for Prosperity’, will be moderated by Dr. Christoph Frei, Secretary General and CEO, World Energy Council.