World Energy Congress roundtable in Abu Dhabi discusses major global priorities

ABU DHABI, 18 September 2012 – World Energy Council (WEC) Chairman Pierre Gadonneix and the Daegu 2013 Organising Committee Executive Vice-Chairman Younghoon David Kim today convened a roundtable as part of WEC’s Energy Trilemma forum in Abu Dhabi.

The roundtable discussed the three dimensions of the “energy trilemma”: security, access and affordability and environmental impact. These areas will underpin the “Securing Tomorrow’s Energy Today” theme of the upcoming World Energy Congress, taking place in Daegu, South Korea, in October 2013.

Among the headline themes at the roundtable were the steps required to secure the supply of energy to a rapidly increasing population with growing energy needs.  The combination of energy technologies was at the heart of the discussion, balancing fluctuating demands in oil, coal and nuclear, together with the expanding gas market and an ever increasing focus on low carbon options.

Masdar CEO Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, a confirmed speaker at Daegu 2013, welcomed WEC officials on a tour of Masdar City and visit to Masdar headquarters.

Pierre Gadonneix, Chairman of the World Energy Council, commented: “The world is now facing a crucial need for renewed governance at both national and international levels if we are to address the world’s energy security. The Congress will not only gather experts from across the energy spectrum, it will also convene leaders from across the globe to put into action the strategies for a more secure, accessible and environmentally sustainable energy supply.”

Commenting on WEC’s visit to the Abu Dhabi, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, said: “I am delighted to welcome the World Energy Council and the World Energy Congress Organising Committee to Abu Dhabi and Masdar. The Middle East’s energy market is quickly evolving with several nations exploring alternative energy sources—including renewable and peaceful nuclear energy—to strengthen their economies and meet their growing energy demands. We look forward to addressing the region’s role in advancing clean energy deployment and its path towards a diversified energy mix   with the wider industry at Daegu 2013”.

Younghoon David Kim, Executive Vice-Chairman, World Energy Congress Daegu 2013 Organizing Committee and Chairman and CEO of the Daesung Group, said:  “The global remit of the Congress calls for cooperation on a truly global scale. Korea and Asia’s growing links with the energy market in the Middle East have already been cemented with this visit and we hope to continue dialogue on the role of both regions on the world energy stage.”

The World Energy Congress is the energy sector’s premier international event, held every three years under the auspices of the World Energy Council, which consists of 93 national committees representing more than 3,000 member organizations including governments, industry, professional institutions and associations, and non-profit groups.

Next year’s event will be only the second World Energy Congress to be held in East Asia in the event’s 90-year history.  Delegates from across the global energy and related sectors are expected to include government ministers, heads of state and the industry leaders of today and tomorrow from both developed and developing nations.  The event is being run by the World Energy Council and the Daegu 2013 Organizing Committee, drawn from its Korean membership.

 

 

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About the World Energy Congress
The triennial World Energy Congress has gained recognition since the first event in 1923 as the premier global forum for leaders and thinkers to debate solutions to energy issues. In addition to the discussions, the event provides an opportunity for executives to display their technologies and explore business opportunities. With the upcoming Congress in Daegu the event will have been held in 20 major cities around the world since its founding.

Daegu was selected to host next year’s Congress at the 2008 WEC Executive Assembly held in Mexico City. The hosts for the 2013 Congress include the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, the Daegu Metropolitan Government, North Gyeongsang provincial government, Korea Electric Power Corporation and SK Energy.

More information at:  www.daegu2013.kr

 

 

About the World Energy Council (WEC)
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 world's energy policy dialogue.