The energy transition debate at the World Energy Congress in Rotterdam

I attended the 26th World Energy #congress in #rotterdam in a media capacity and will be sharing pertinent take outs in a series starting with expert perspectives on the #energytransition and what needs to happen with Angela Wilkinson, Secretary-General & CEO at World Energy Council, Monique Motty, Founder of Eco Solutions Consulting in #Congo, Ged Davis, the Executive Chair of WEC, Jim Skea, the Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change @ipcc, Chantal Zeegers, the Vice Mayor of Rotterdam, moderated by John Defterios, former #CNN Emerging Markets Editor.
The energy transition challenges articulated by Defterios reflects current themes:
#africa needs increased energy investment.
Engaging citizens in energy transitions.
Making capital support energy transition.
Navigating geopolitical challenges.
Rethinking growth as a measure of success.
Managing increased #minerals demand for #renewables .
Implementing assertive measures to reduce demand for energy intensive products.
Professor Smil highlighted the rise of SUVs and challenges in electrifying transportation, and decarbonising air travel and large vessels. Smil proposed managing energy demands alongside technological solutions to address emissions at their source, cautioning against last-minute fixes.
Angela Wilkinson, Secretary-General & CEO of WEC, wants energy leaders to improve energy literacy and engage in multi stakeholder conversations focused on user needs. Wilkinson calls for a new governance model prioritizing people and agency and focus on developing a less wasteful energy system while ensuring efficiency improvements that do not compromise resilience or resource distribution.
Monique Motty advocates for an incremental transition in Africa by investing in the existing grid and addressing the high cost of capital. She emphasizes the importance of local solutions for energy transition and believes Africa has the resources for sustainable development. Motty recommends focusing on community action for real progress in the transition.
Ged Davis, Executive Chair of WEC, stresses the need to increase investments for sustainability and address challenges in key industries like steel and plastic. Some measures and behaviours are in order to implement changes without forcing.
The energy sector contributes to most greenhouse gas emissions. Jim Skea's advocates that behavior change for emission reduction requires realist public awareness not fatalism.
Rotterdam Harbor contributes 20% of the Netherlands' emissions. Vice Mayor Chantal Zeegers promotes hydrogen and wind energy projects. She advocates for citizen engagement, Public-Private Partnerships, inclusivity in energy discussions, and behavior change through inspiration rather than punitive measures.
#RedesigningEnergy, #WEC2024 #energytransition