Energy ‘trilemma’

Daegu meeting will bring tough energy problems to light

By Bahk Eun-ji

Dilemmas are tough to solve. But as far as the global energy crisis is concerned, things are much worse because it involves not just two conflicting goals but three: a trilemma.

A world-renowned energy expert said that government officials, politicians and experts from academia will convene next October in Korea to find ways of grappling with the trilemma.

``The energy trilemma refers to the conflicting goals that governments face of securing energy supplies, providing universal energy access and promoting environmental protection,’’ World Energy Council (WEC) Senior Director Emily Melton said.

“Although all three goals are important, governments have difficulties in striking the right balance. In Korea’s case, for example, the country ranks high in providing energy to the population and is making improvements in curbing environmental damage, but is vulnerable when it comes to energy security because it is dependent on some forms of imported energy such as oil and gas,”she continued.

In the global context, she added that advanced developed countries are focusing on transitioning from consuming carbon energy to alternative energy resources, while developing countries need to balance energy development with an improvement in standards of living.

“In fact, planning energy strategies takes a long period of time, so it requires massive efforts from policy makers in many different countries. So that day will be focused on what are good energy policies, and how do we achieve them,”Melton said.

In order to delve into the trilemma, the London-based WEC, a UN-accredited global energy body, and its Korean Member Committee will host the World Energy Congress, which has been dubbed the Olympics of the energy sector, between October 13 and October 17 2013 in Daegu, which is gaining a reputation as Korea’s green growth capital.

“Unlike in the past, government, politicians, the media and many people are fully aware of the importance of the energy issue, so the congress in Daegu is a significant international event,” she said.

Daegu: right place

Daegu beat Copenhagen and Durban for the rights to host the 22nd World Energy Congress and Melton said that it was the right decision not only for Korea but also for the world.

“Korea has made a smart decision to host the congress. It can serve as a good example to other countries and that is an important and valuable contribution,”she said.

It will be the second meeting of the congress in East Asia. The selection of Korea is an acknowledgement that Asia is becoming the world’s biggest and most dynamic energy market, said Melton.

In addition, he noted that Korea’s geographical location between China and Japan, two of the world’s biggest energy consumers made the country the ideal choice for the congress.

Another factor that led to Korea’s selection was its rapid industrialization that has made it an economic model for the developing world. As part of next year’s programs, delegates from emerging markets will study Korea’s development model as it relates to energy.

Global interest is now focusing on Korea’s green growth initiative. The WEC recently released a report on smart grids, or infrastructure systems that promote efficient energy use, which highlighted the smart grid project on Jeju Island to help setting global standards as well as being the biggest such project in the world.

Next year’s convention, which will be held under the theme of“Securing Tomorrow’s Energy Today,”is meant to serve as a platform for discussions on the future of sustainable energy.

Details of congress

The Daegu congress will mark the 90th anniversary of the WEC, which has become a source for authoritative reports and studies on the global energy sector. Around 5,000 delegates, including senior government officials, chief executives of energy firms, and academic researchers from 100 countries are expected to attend the event.

The congress, which is held every three years, is being supported by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Daegu and the surrounding North Gyeongsang Province.

The congress will last four days and each day will focus on a different topic.

The first day will be devoted to“The vision and scenarios for the future,”which takes a look at various global issues from an energy perspective, including the environment, climate change, the depletion of natural resources and renewable energy.

“The delegates and participants will discuss what type of future we want to achieve, so this session discusses how to turn our visions and scenarios for the energy future into reality,” said Melton.

The second day will focus on“Identifying the opportunities: Resources & Technologies.” This will involve speakers from all energy sectors, including oil & gas, nuclear, and renewable energy, who will discuss the challenges facing the energy industry and possible solutions.

The third day will concern government and energy policy, under the theme of“The energy trilemma: Policy solutions to secure prosperity.”

The last day will examine the broad theme of “Securing a sustainable energy future,” which is meant to wrap up the previous discussions on how to deal with energy challenges and possible solutions. Part of the discussions that day will be devoted to Asia’s role in achieving the goals for a sustainable energy future and what lessons it can teach the rest of the world.

Good sign

Melton said it is a good sign that nations and corporations around the world are cooperating more closely in linking energy policies to industrial policies. The focus on energy issues is no longer limited to a few nations or regions, but is being applied on a global scale.

Melton said this development is encouraging because it helps achieves the WEC’s mission“to promote the sustainable supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all people.”

“Of course, fulfilling this mission would be impossible if there was no international cooperation, and the congress in Daegu will be a huge opportunity to deal with the challenging issues and share solutions as well as policies,” she said.

WEC and congress

The World Energy Council was initially formed in 1923 and has grown into the world’s principal impartial network of leaders and practitioners promoting an affordable, stable and environmentally sensitive energy system for the maximum benefit of all.

The WEC is the UN-accredited global energy body, representing the entire energy spectrum, with more than 3,000 member organizations located in more than 90 countries. Its membership includes governments, private and state corporations, academia, NGOs and energy-related stakeholders.

Emily Melton

Emily Melton is a Senior Director of operations and institutional development of the WEC.

She has over 25 years experience in the non-profit sector, primarily in the areas of membership, marketing, public relations and organizational development.

She has been with the WEC since 1999, the foremost global multi-energy organization, with Member Committees in over 90 countries. She is also responsible for member recruitment and retention; developing global, ministerial contacts; budget and finance; human resources, office administration and management; meeting and event planning; and specific aspects of the WEC Patrons and Global Partners program.