Dr Leonhard Birnbaum, World Energy Council’s Vice Chair Europe, discusses global and European perspectives in Tallin, Estonia
LONDON / TALLINN, 10 June 2013 – Dr Leonhard Birnbaum, the World Energy Council’s Vice Chair for Europe, has discussed global and European energy trends at a conference in Tallin, Estonia today.
In a keynote speech at the International Oil Shale Symposium, Dr Birnbaum said:
“Oil shale can help to diversify supply of fuels, to enhance security of supply and to reduce the effects of crude oil price fluctuations. In order to have greater social acceptance, strategies to increase the public’s awareness about oil shale have to be developed and implemented. A sound life-cycle analysis is an important tool to gain social acceptance, as it can enable the economic and environmental impacts of oil shale to be better understood.”
At the conference Dr Birnbaum also provided his insights into the importance of unconventional oil and gas. These resources will be amongst the wide range of energy resource to be covered in the upcoming edition of the WEC’s flagship World Energy Resources study. For the first time the report will have an in-depth assessment of the growth of unconventionals.
The WEC’s World Energy Resources study has for over 80 years been used to provide a reliable assessment of the world’s energy resources and is widely used by governments, industry, investors, NGOs and academia. The full report, including resource information for all forms of energy, will be released during the World Energy Congress this October. The development of oil shale, an abundant resource in some countries, will be highlighted incorporating the insights from Estonia, where oil shale supplies about 90% of Estonia’s energy needs.
Dr Birnbaum commented: “Estonia has significant know-how in the oil shale industry and is well placed to share its experience with other countries.”
Dr Leonhard Birnbaum has been the WEC Vice-chair of Europe since November 2012. On 1 July 2013 he will become a Member of the Executive Board of E.ON SE. Prior to this he has been Member of Executive Board of RWE AG and served as a Senior Partner at McKinsey specialising in the European energy sector. Dr Birnbaum is a chemical engineer.
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Journalists wishing to speak with Dr Leonhard Birnbaum should contact:
At the International Oil Shale Symposium today (10 June):
Reilika Ilp, Press Officer
Mobile: +372 52 11145
Email: reilika.ilp@enefit.com
All other times:
World Energy Council
Monique Tsang, +44 20 3214 0616, tsang@worldenergy.org
Ulrike Döring, +44 20 3214 0607, doering@worldenergy.org
Notes to Editors:
World Energy Council (WEC)
Founded in 1923, the World Energy Council is the only truly global and inclusive forum for thought-leadership and tangible engagement committed to our sustainable energy future. Our network of 93 national committees represents over 3000 member organizations including governments, industry and expert institutions. Our mission is to promote the sustainable supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all. The World Energy Congress is the world's premier energy gathering.
www.worldenergy.org and @WECouncil
World Energy Congress
The triennial World Energy Congress has gained recognition since the first event in 1923 as the premier global forum for leaders and thinkers to debate solutions to energy issues. In addition to the discussions, the event provides an opportunity for executives to display their technologies and explore business opportunities. With the upcoming Congress in Daegu the event will have been held in 20 major cities around the world since its founding.
www.daegu2013.kr and @WECongress
International Oil Shale Symposium
The International Oil Shale Symposium aims to generate and boost international interest in the oil shale industry, initiate discussion and build links among various groups interested in the development of the industry.
The Symposium will feature more than 50 presentations. The event is organised by Enefit, Tallinn University of Technology, University of Tartu, and Colorado School of Mines.
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