The World Energy Council calls on policymakers at COP17 to address the "Energy Trilemma"

The 3rd edition of the 2011 Assessment of Country Energy and Climate Policies published by the World Energy Council reveals that

 

 

As the pressure grows to act on climate change and to assist policymakers focus their efforts in meeting the energy trilemma the World Energy Council (WEC) has published their 2011 Assessment of Country Energy and Climate Policies, which includes the annual global Energy Sustainability Index.

 

Over the past three years this unique ranking has examined over 60 data sets to provide a detailed analysis of 92 countries energy and climate policies and sets out their ability to provide a stable, affordable and environmentally sensitive energy system.

 

The report also highlights where policymakers can make a difference and helps them to create better policies to ensure that we have a chance of limiting global temperature rise to 2oC. The report sets out key takeaways which help countries to produce better energy policies that balance the need for climate change mitigation, whilst delivering sustainable growth for their populations.

 

Speaking at the launch of the 2011 report Pierre Gadonneix, Chairman of the World Energy Council said: "As countries struggle to provide for energy security, social equity and the increasingly pressing environmental impact mitigation measures, policymakers must favour resilient systems. I call "resilient" a system that allows us to pursue, year after year, on a continuing process, our long-term objectives and at the same time is flexible enough for us to capitalize on unexpected opportunities, like technological breakthroughs and innovations, and overcome unforeseen obstacles, like prices volatility."

 

The 2011 Index shows that those countries in the top five have the most coherent and robust energy policies. They are also the most successful at managing the trade-off between the three dimensions of the "Energy Trilemma": Energy Security, Social Equity and Environmental Impact Mitigation.

 

 

Mark Robson, Partner of the leading global management consulting firm Oliver Wyman, Project Partners for the report, explained that: "Our index shows clearly that even countries with abundant energy resources, wealth and political stability struggle to provide stable, affordable and environmentally sensitive energy. The countries that tend to be the best at balancing the resulting trade-offs between these interests are those that have diversified their energy resources and actively manage demand for energy through well-established energy-efficiency programmes."

 

Despite good performance of the top five, no country leads in all three areas of the "Energy Trilemma". The report highlights the need for increased dialog and an open and honest approach to setting out the trade-offs that are required to develop affordable, stable and environmentally sensitive energy frameworks. These trade-offs mean that there will inevitably be winners and losers in the short term. But, if those choices are made transparent and explicit, and most importantly are led by a clear long term vision, then they will gain acceptance, commitment and investment from energy leaders and from the public.

 

 

Building on WEC's previous ass eport has focused onthree critical key issues - Transport, Energy Efficiency and Finance - where policymakers should focus their efforts. With the energy system generating approximately 60% of total GHG emissions, only significant improvements in these key areas will countries be able to meet rising energy demand, while working to limit the growth in CO2 emissions.

 

Christoph Frei, Secretary General of WEC said: "Today, the overall transport sector represents a quarter of total CO2 emissions. We project that CO2 emissions from transport could be 80% higher in 2050. However, with clear policies that empower governments, the public and private sector to intervene, we could limit this increase to 15%. This is significant but we must act now"

 

This report will be shared with policymakers gathering in Durban to attend the COP17 meeting. Through this report WEC will encourage policymakers and leaders in the energy sector to address all the dimensions of the energy trilemma as a long term solution to solve tomorrow's energy challenges.

 

Joan MacNaughton, who will be joining delegates in Durban, added: "As we approach the COP 17 meeting and next year's conference on Sustainable Development in 2012 in Rio, these issues take on additional importance. They will determine to a large extent the ability of emerging and developing countries to set policy frameworks that will build markets and attract private investment."