We need a holistic & integrated approach for clean energy: Philip Lowe | WEC

“If we want to have a sustainable energy system and clean affordable energy for all, we have got to make sure that we have a holistic and integrated approach to all these sectors together. And, not pretend that by simply eliminating CO2 in one area we have solved the problem,” said Sir Philip Lowe, Executive Chair of the World Energy Council’s energy trilemma flagship study programme in an exclusive interview to Devdiscourse. Read the full Interview and see the Video.

Sir Philip Lowe is Executive Chair of the World Energy Council’s energy trilemma flagship study programme. A resident of the Brussels in Belgium, Philip Lowe has had a distinguished career in business and government, holding the senior positions of Director-General for Competition and for Energy at the European Commission. Philip is presently Executive Chair, World Energy Council Study Group and Chair, Trilemma Steering Group, World Energy Council. He is also a partner in OXERA. Philip has been the key figure behind the World Energy Trilemma Index 2019 which was released on the 3rd day of the 24th World Energy Congress in Abu Dhabi.

In an exclusive interview with Siddheshwar Shukla, Associate Editor, Devdiscourse, Sir Philip Lowe shares his views on various aspects of the trilemma index, energy transition and clean energy. The Edited Excerpts and the Video

Siddheshwar: Mr. Philip! What are the major findings of the report?

Sir Philip Lowe: The major findings of the report – first of all, reflects the consensus among virtually all the countries in the world that we got to have environmentally sustainable, secure and fair energy systems which bring energy to ordinary people at affordable prices and give the businesses a chance to be competitive.

And the results of this research report show that there has been continuous improvement particularly in the last 20 years towards the goals of creating robust energy policies which reflect the three corners of the Trilemma which are equity, sustainability in environmental terms and security of supply. Very few countries, only 9 among the 128 surveyed, have not improved. Thirdly we have identified, this year, a number of countries particularly in Asia, South America and Africa, who have made huge strides in expanding the accessibility of energy to ordinary people and also in contributing to environmental sustainability.

So we think that’s positive. At the same time, we know that in all circumstances for the moment we still are not ambitious enough in all our countries in order to achieve our environmental sustainability goals.

Siddheshwar: According to this report, where do you see the world in terms of achieving Global Goal 7 – Clean and Affordable Energy set up by the United Nations for the year 2030?

Philip: As said earlier, we have great optimism that the goal of providing clean, accessible and energy to all is most likely to be achieved in terms of accessibility as such but the word ‘clean’ is more difficult to answer. Because of the ‘clean’ means ‘environmentally sustainable’. We still have a long way to go to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide associated with energy consumption.

And that’s the area where Bodman would say one is most worried about. In India, China and in Europe too we have this concept, for example, of clean coal. But we know that coal is not clean in CO2 terms.

Siddheshwar: So we want to say for energy – accessibility can be achieved but ‘clean’ is still a question?

Philip: Yeah! that’s right.

Siddheshwar: What will you suggest in terms of disruptive energy technologies to march towards clean energy?

Philip: I think one of the major messages is – innovation. New technologies will help us and as many people say well we need all flowers to bloom. Every technology needs to be tried out. But, I think research in the US, Europe and in Asia has also pointed to the reality that without strong government policy and regulation there is not sufficient incentive to innovation including taxation.

Siddheshwar: I think, there is some problem with technology also. Earlier, solar energy was considered as clean technology but now researchers say by 2050, it will create huge amount of hazardous solar waste that would be a burden on the planet. How do you see these hurdles?

Philip: Well! You point to the inevitable requirement for any technology to be shown to be environmentally sustainable. In the sense of the circular economy, we can’t say that something is sustainable simply because we don’t burn coal. We have to say it in terms of using up rare piles of earth, for example, which could endanger other aspects of sustainability. Is it creating waste? Then, there is an opportunity for us to look at technologies which use waste better. Should waste management not be as much important to us as the renewable generation in our thinking?

Siddheshwar: What other areas the World Energy Council thinks could be potential sources for sustainable and clean energy?

Philip: Well one of the major sources, of course, is obviously that if we can use less energy for the same amount of quality of life and in the same production of goods. And I think, not only in the industrial world but in a number of countries particularly in India there have been really substantial efforts to improve energy efficiency in buildings, homes and in the industry as well.

Obviously, there always has been an incentive. So, energy efficiency is very important. Our behaviour as human beings is extraordinarily important because sustainable energy goes along with sustainable transport and sustainable living.

So, if we want to have a sustainable energy system and clean affordable energy for all, we have got to make sure that we have a holistic integrated approach to all these sectors together. And, not pretend that by simply eliminating CO2 in one area we have solved the problem.

We haven’t. Don’t forget one of the major reasons for the major efforts now being made in China and India. To move to more sustainable systems is not CO2 but air pollution.

Siddheshwar: How do you see the future of the movement – Beyond the Hydrocarbons?

Philip: I think the first major contribution towards reducing CO2 is to move from coal to gas. The second in terms of energy generation is the inevitable concentration on creating more electricity rather than using hydrocarbons burning hydrocarbons directly. And, the third, of course, is the range of renewable technologies which exist, which can be developed and which have to be made cost-effective. That is the way forward.

We are not going to eliminate hydrocarbons tomorrow. But, we are going to be able to do it in a perspective of 2035 or 2040 or 2050. We want to be on a trajectory which is going to give us the chance to do that.

Siddheshwar: What about nuclear energy?

Philip: Nuclear energy as other technologies is low carbon energy. It is extraordinary. It could make a very significant contribution.

It’s a technology which needs to have a lot of safeguards around it for it to be successful.

For the moment, partly because of those safeguards, it is a quite costly form of generation but it is preferred in many countries such as China, India, some Middle Eastern countries and the UK see nuclear energy as part of the solution. It is not the whole solution to the problem of environmental sustainability and competitiveness but part of the solution. But, to be successful, we have to see the sustainability area and in terms of affordability, we must see some projects in the nuclear area arrive at fruition and be operational and successful at a lower cost. And, that’s what, we hope is the case.

Siddheshwar: As Chair of the Trilemma Index of the World Energy Council, what do you expect from the 24th World Energy Congress?

Philip: Well! The 24th World Energy Congress has given people a lot. It has inspired people with the sense of common purpose to achieving some of the goals which we have talked about – accessible, affordable and environmentally sustainable energy for everyone.

It has led to a lot more understanding between different countries – exporting countries and importing countries – as to how we can move forward. It will require a lot more dialogues and cooperation between countries and within the countries. I think that the World Energy Council Congress has contributed to that. The extra dialogue that adds extra impetus is to change the energy transition. But it’s not the only organization in the world on World Energy. But at least we’re making a contribution.

Thank you!

Source: devdiscourse