Fatih Birol: Is the global energy transition veering off course?
Dec 4, 2023
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Stephen Sackur speaks to Fatih Birol, Head of the International Energy Agency, about the global energy transition and its challenges. They discuss the decline of fossil fuel demand, the growth of solar energy in India, the role of carbon capture and storage, and the upcoming COP meeting in Dubai.
The slowing growth of the Chinese economy and the rapid growth of renewables and clean energy sources point towards a peak in global demand for fossil fuels before 2030.
Governments need to take the lead in driving the transition to clean energy, as relying solely on market forces may not bring about the necessary changes quickly enough.
Deep dives
Transition to Clean Energy Economy
A new clean energy economy is emerging faster than many realize, with electric cars sales increasing and the expectation that every second car sold globally by 2030 will be electric. While big oil companies claim there will still be a demand for fossil fuels, the slowing growth of the Chinese economy, coupled with the rapid growth of renewables and clean energy sources, points towards a peak in global demand for fossil fuels before 2030.
Challenges in Transitioning to Clean Energy
The transition to clean energy faces challenges such as profitability and financing gaps. Fossil fuel companies continue to invest heavily in traditional production and exploration, while clean energy companies face economic volatility and lower returns. To meet climate change targets, massive investments of around $5 trillion per year in renewables are needed by 2030. Developing countries must play a significant role in clean energy investment, however, they currently receive only about 25% of investment in clean energy.
The Role of Governments and Emerging Economies
Governments need to take the lead in driving the transition to clean energy, as relying solely on market forces may not bring about the necessary changes quickly enough. Developing countries, including China and India, are major players in clean energy growth, but they require more support and investment. The reliance on fossil fuels, particularly in emerging economies like India, poses a challenge, but these countries are also making significant moves towards clean energy sources like solar power.
Stephen Sackur speaks to the head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol. As oil and gas-rich UAE hosts the latest climate change summit, is it time to admit the much-vaunted global energy transition is veering off course?
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