RIYADH: Emphasizing the need for cooperation in the journey towards energy transition, the president of the International Association of Energy Economics said that the transition should be led by energy-rich countries.
“Energy technology is coming to power the energy transition. Oil and gas rich countries are now forging their own path to energy transition. The energy transition is not coming from Western countries or India or China, and it is being led by the energy rich Countries are doing it, but we have to learn at what time, at what speed etc.,” said Jean-Michel Glacent. He also clarified that funding is the key to achieving these goals.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Glecht said that it would take 30-50 years to achieve a transition to green energy.
“We’re not close. But we’re really starting. For about 15 years we discussed; should we start, and when should we start. And now we’re all understanding, yes, we have to It will take 30 to 50 years,” he said.
“As long as we stick together, we are able to stop the damage. We have to find a way to compensate for the damage because some countries will suffer more while others will suffer less.
The IAEE official said that his organization is not only grateful but also fortunate to host its 44th conference in Saudi Arabia, as the country is one of the key players driving the global energy transition.
Gleichent said that in line with its Vision 2030 blueprint, the Kingdom is charting its own national sustainability path and setting an example for the rest of the world.
“Having Saudi Arabia as the host country for the IAEE has many advantages. We are an association for energy economics. Saudi Arabia is building its own national stability path with its 2030 Agenda. It is not only a pleasure but also an honor to enter the Kingdom and discuss and interact with open-minded people from the region,” said the IAEE President.
“Saudi Arabia is leading the voice of the developing world in energy matters. And we, at IAEE, want to find out what we can learn from Saudi Arabia.”
It should be noted that the 44th IAEE conference is taking place in Riyadh from February 4-9, and this is the first time the Middle East is hosting the event.
“You will see in this program that no major region of the world is left behind. In fact, the Saudis have done their best to put together all relevant people and all relevant issues,” he said.
According to Glashent, Saudi Arabia has many ideas about sustainable energy transition to share with the world and the IAEE event will serve as an ideal platform to showcase and discuss those ideas.
“Learning something is the core of the IAEE conference. When we learn nothing, the event is a failure. This is the first event in Saudi Arabia. Is getting rich for. If we can’t learn anything from a place like this I think we are ill.
Glachant said the Middle East and North Africa region is leading the energy sector in the world and the Saudi capital Riyadh is one of the most prominent global destinations for trade and finance.
“Saudi Arabia is the No. 1 country in the world these days in terms of development; Development not only in the oil sector, but also in the non-oil sector. So, Saudi Arabia is doing the unexpected by exploring new avenues,” said Glachent.
He also commended the efforts of the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Saudi Arabia to conduct research and formulate energy policies to support a sustainable transition to green energy.
According to Glachant, the IAEE conference in Riyadh will help exchange ideas with big names in the region, adding that MENA is an “energy hotspot that is also building its own energy economy.”
Glashent pointed out that there are several pillars of the energy transformation, including technology and innovation, direct and indirect investment, etc.
“It (energy transition) is like a car race. When you see your neighbor driving fast, sometimes you try to do better than your neighbor.”
Glecht was of the view that more progress was needed in the maritime and aviation sectors to meet the Sustainable Goals.
“It’s about technology innovation. We have to find ways to make it (aviation and maritime sector) sustainable in a different way. Some aircraft run on electricity for short distances. But what do we do for long distances? Maritime For the region, what do we do,” Gleichent questioned.