World Energy Council report finds ‘global energy system is not fit for purpose’

Survey finds energy transition is too slow as council also reveals first look at speakers confirmed for World Energy Congress in Rotterdam

A survey from the World Energy Council reveals there is growing alarm among industry leaders over the pace and trajectory of the energy transition.

The council plans to focus on these fears and co-ordinate solutions to them over the next 12 months, culminating in its World Energy Congress, which takes place in Rotterdam in April 2024 under the theme Redesigning Energy for People and Planet.

On Monday (April 24) the council will officially unveil the first confirmed speakers for the congress, as well as details of the report.

However, Power Engineering International has been granted an exclusive look at both.

I can reveal that the first confirmed speakers for the congress are:

• Amina Mohamed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group;
• Patrick Pouyanné, chief executive of TotalEnergies;
• Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam;
• Phyllis Omido, founder of the Centre for Justice, Governance and Environmental Action;
• John Elkington, author and founder of corporate responsibility company Volans;
• and Kim Yin Wong, group president and chief executive of Sembcorp.

For its Pulse Survey, the World Energy Council talked to more than 700 leaders of the global energy community, and the results reveal two thirds continue to be concerned by the pace of energy transitions – nearly double the number who expressed similar concerns in the council’s study a year ago.

World Energy Council Secretary General, Dr Angela Wilkinson (pictured), said the results of the survey “show that regional priorities differ and the majority agree that the world energy system is no longer fit for purpose”.

“Energy transition leaders are concerned we are moving too slowly and the best way forward is to involve more people, diverse communities and sectors in making fairer and more far reaching energy transitions happen.”

The survey found leaders are particularly concerned that insufficient action is being driven from the bottom up, with 35% of respondents stating that individuals and communities should be empowered to lead transformations.

Some 43% saw challenges around affordability and modern energy access as the most concerning aspects of ensuring a fair energy system.

Dr Wilkinson said: “Three once-in-a-lifetime crises – Covid, climate, conflict – have revealed the importance and fragility of energy systems and reminded us all to manage the energy trilemma of security, affordability, and sustainability to avoid new shocks and crisis.

She added that “bridging climate, energy and human security interests in a fragmented and polarised world is not easy, but it is essential to remember energy systems include people”.

She said: “It is important to pull world energy society together across geographies, technologies, sectors and generations with the shared intent to redesign diverse and resilient energy systems for billions of better lives and a healthy planet.”

The World Energy Congress in Rotterdam will be the first major opportunity for the energy sector to gather and reflect after COP28, which takes place in the UAE in December this year.

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Dr Wilkinson said the congress “will demonstrate energy transitions are happening in all world regions. We will champion inclusive and intergenerational dialogue, share new ideas on the ‘how to’ and ‘who with’ of closing implementation gaps, promote trilemma solutions and celebrate transformational collaborations.”

The World Energy Congress will celebrate its 100th anniversary in Rotterdam, and Dr Wilkinson added that the event will “draw on a century of practical wisdom in connecting energy, peace and sustainable development agendas and launch new energy actions to secure climate resilient and sustainable development”.

“We will weave the road the congress with the Clean Energy Ministerial and COP28 as we pull world energy leadership together again”.

In total 18,000 attendees will convene in Rotterdam for four days of energy-defining and impact-focused conversations, roundtables, and peer-to-peer networking, while simultaneously showcasing the latest technologies driving forward the energy transition. Registration for delegate passes is now open with tickets to provide access to all sessions and exhibitions during the Congress.

Watch our interview with Chris Gentle of the World Energy Council on the challenges of balancing the energy trilemma

Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, Rob Jetten, said The Netherlands “has big ambitions when it comes to sustainable energy and climate and are keen to expand our role in the renewable transition in Europe and across the globe”.

“The importance of gathering world energy leaders together under the umbrella of the World Energy Congress is more vital than ever as we navigate these turbulent energy times and strive towards a fairer future for all.”

Jeroen van Hoof, Chair of the World Energy Council in The Netherlands and Chair of the World Energy Congress Rotterdam Organising Committee, said: “We look forward to welcoming delegates from across the entire energy eco system to the next World Energy Congress in Rotterdam.”

He said Rotterdam is a “vibrant innovative smart city with a rich heritage in pioneering early oil and gas supply and storage, a global port serving as the logistical gateway into Europe and enduring status as international trading hub”.

Visit our sister site enlit.world for exclusive articles and films about Rotterdam's energy transition.

“More importantly an open and inclusive city in the midst of a transformation into a cleaner and more sustainable future.

“Its historical significance as a city rebuilt after the destruction of World War II to become Europe’s largest international trading port exemplifies our theme of Redesigning Energy for People and Planet.

“Just as the city responded to the global challenges of the past to transform itself into an energy hub so too will we respond to the unprecedented crises of today to build a better, cleaner and more inclusive tomorrow.”

For more information about the World Energy Congress, and to register from Monday April 24, click here.