World Energy Council responds to IEA 2013 Outlook

Following publication of the IEA’s 2013 World Energy Outlook today, the World Energy Council issues the following response.

Christoph Frei, Secretary General of the World Energy Council, comments:

“Coming hard on the heels of the World Energy Congress where we published our explorative scenarios and our energy resource assessment, the launch of the World Energy Outlook adds to the weight of knowledge which highlights that the global energy system is now at a tipping point. Our Jazz and Symphony scenarios see that fossil fuels will remain dominant up to 2050, with between 77% and 59% of the primary energy mix being supplied by coal, oil and gas. This finding is supported by the IEA’s central scenario clearly shows that we need to see a shift in the way we address the triple challenges of the energy trilemma – environment, energy security and energy equity.

“We urgently need to realise the potential of breakthrough technologies such as electricity storage and CC(U)S. The 450 parts per million CO2 goal cannot be achieved without CC(U)S. It is essential, therefore, that there are clear and unambiguous policy and institutional frameworks to support investment in this technology to justify its inclusion in roadmaps and carbon emission reduction strategies.

“Demand for energy services continues to rise and the energy map is changing. Our institutions need to change to keep pace with developments if we are to have a sustainable energy future.

“We must get real in the way we respond to the findings in the World Energy Outlook.”

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Media contact:

Monique Tsang

tsang@worldenergy.org  

Tel: 44 (0) 20 3214 0616

About the World Energy Council

The World Energy Council (WEC) is the principal impartial network of leaders and practitioners promoting an affordable, stable and environmentally sensitive energy system for the greatest benefit of all. Formed in 1923, WEC is the UN-accredited global energy body, representing the entire energy spectrum, with more than 3000 member organisations located in over 90 countries and drawn from governments, private and state corporations, academia, NGOs and energy related stakeholders. WEC informs global, regional and national energy strategies by hosting high-level events, publishing authoritative studies, and working through its extensive member network to facilitate the energy policy dialogue.

Further details at www.worldenergy.org and @WECouncil

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