After the World Energy Congress in Istanbul, the World Energy Council’s 2016 Global Scenarios have attracted a wide range of interest within the energy industry and among policymakers.
The Directorate General for Energy (DG) of the European Commission was keen to explore the World Energy Scenarios. In particular, to discuss the implications of the Global Transition for the European Union.
The Council’s Scenarios propose three potential energy futures: Unfinished Symphony, a world in which a more ‘intelligent’, forward looking and sustainable economic growth model emerges; Modern Jazz, which represents a ‘digitally disrupted’, innovative and market driven world; and Hard Rock, which explores the consequences of weaker and unsustainable economic growth in a more fragmented world dominated by inward looking policies.
The Directorate General for Energy (DG) of the European Commission was keen to explore the World Energy Scenarios. In particular, to discuss the implications of the Global Transition for the European Union.
The Council’s Scenarios propose three potential energy futures: Unfinished Symphony, a world in which a more ‘intelligent’, forward looking and sustainable economic growth model emerges; Modern Jazz, which represents a ‘digitally disrupted’, innovative and market driven world; and Hard Rock, which explores the consequences of weaker and unsustainable economic growth in a more fragmented world dominated by inward looking policies.
The Council’s Regional Vice-Chair for Europe, Leonhard Birnbaum, chaired the well-attended meeting with over 50 experts from diverse departments of the DG Energy, and emphasised: “A need for a smart approach towards energy security and climate mitigation policy, backed by natural gas in the electricity and the transport sectors is essential.
“Furthermore, functioning energy markets are keys to ensuring on-going investments. Europe needs to think about the integration of zero-marginal-cost technologies within an interconnected electricity market.”
Ged Davis, Executive Chair of the World Energy Scenarios flagship study, commented on the global role of nuclear: “During recent decades Europe has lost its leadership in nuclear, and capacity building in nuclear technology has declined. Asia, and particularly China, have been significant investors in nuclear and are leaders in the development and application of nuclear technology.”
Stefaan Vergote, the Head of Unit for Financial Analysis and Financial Instruments in European Commission DG Energy, said: “We would like to thank the World Energy Council for presenting their World Energy Scenarios. The global and cross-sectorial approach of the Council makes it an essential contributor to the debate on the energy transition. The large turnout at the meeting demonstrated the interest of many of my colleagues for a better understanding of energy developments."
“Furthermore, functioning energy markets are keys to ensuring on-going investments. Europe needs to think about the integration of zero-marginal-cost technologies within an interconnected electricity market.”
Ged Davis, Executive Chair of the World Energy Scenarios flagship study, commented on the global role of nuclear: “During recent decades Europe has lost its leadership in nuclear, and capacity building in nuclear technology has declined. Asia, and particularly China, have been significant investors in nuclear and are leaders in the development and application of nuclear technology.”
Stefaan Vergote, the Head of Unit for Financial Analysis and Financial Instruments in European Commission DG Energy, said: “We would like to thank the World Energy Council for presenting their World Energy Scenarios. The global and cross-sectorial approach of the Council makes it an essential contributor to the debate on the energy transition. The large turnout at the meeting demonstrated the interest of many of my colleagues for a better understanding of energy developments."
Both the Council and DG energy agreed to continue discussions and explore further opportunities for knowledge exchange.
The Directorate-General for Energy is one of 33 policy-specific departments in the European Commission. It focuses on developing and implementing the EU's energy policy – secure, sustainable, and competitive energy for Europe.
The DG Energy is responsible for developing and implementing a European energy policy under the political guidance of the European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič and Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete.
The Directorate General develops and implements innovative policies aimed at:
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contributing to setting up an energy market providing citizens and business with affordable energy, competitive prices and technologically advanced energy services
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promoting sustainable energy production, transport and consumption in line with the EU 2020 targets and with a view to the 2050 decarbonisation objective
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enhancing the conditions for safe and secure energy supply in a spirit of solidarity between EU countries ensuring a high degree of protection for European citizens
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In developing a European energy policy, the Directorate-General aims to support the Europe 2020 economic strategy which, for energy, is captured in the Energy 2020 strategy presented by the Commission in late 2010
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