We’re at tipping point – world energy leader to visit New Zealand

New Zealand is about to get a prime opportunity to hear the truth about the world’s energy situation as Christoph Frei, Secretary General of the World Energy Council (WEC) visits our shores on 5-7 March.

During his visit, Frei will be speaking as the international keynote at Downstream, the energy sector’s annual strategic forum, where he will be releasing information about New Zealand’s energy issues map. This is our part of the recently released World Energy Issues Monitor, which provides a snapshot of what keeps energy leaders awake at night.

The work of the WEC has identified that we are at an energy tipping point. Frei explains, “Our studies have exposed many myths about the energy sector that are impacting the whole world. I look forward to seeing these learnings applied to the New Zealand situation and WEC has been working on this with the BusinessNZ Energy Council. There is now an urgent need to find solutions towards the sustainable supply of energy for the greatest benefit of all.”

The WEC recently called for urgent and incisive action to transform the global energy system. It called for policymakers and industry leaders to “get real” and exposed the myths that are informing the energy debate. It warned of the serious consequences of allowing these myths to hamper the efforts of governments, industry and civil society to create a sustainable energy future.

These myths include: “global energy demand will flatten out”, “there is an imminent shortage of fossil fuel resources”, and “demand growth will be fully met by the new clean energy sources.”

John Carnegie, Manager of the BusinessNZ Energy Council, says “It’s time for everyone to have an honest conversation about the hard choices faced in energy policy. This includes government, business and society as a whole. As the WEC has identified, we now need to focus on finding a realistic sustainable future. The work of WEC and BEC provides a good platform from which to work towards this goal. Being able to brainstorm New Zealand’s energy future with one of the world’s greatest minds in this area is an invaluable opportunity.”

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