EE Global 2012: Dr. Yumkella Calls Energy Efficiency a Source of 'Prosperity'
On the second day of EE Global 2012 in Orlando, Fla., a panel of experts from the public and private sectors and several international organizations discussed energy efficiency’s role as the First Solution for Sustainable Energy for All. Keynote speaker Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Director-General of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), set the tone of discussion.
Energy Efficiency: 'All of the Above' Strategy with Multiple Benefits
In her introduction, Alliance President Kateri Callahan again suggested that energy efficiency is the “all of the above” strategy to address multiple societal imperatives. Moderator Ann Quon, Principle Director of the Department of External Relations at the Asian Development Bank, agreed but cautioned that the momentum needed for the required increases in energy efficiency does not yet exist.Keynote speaker Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Director-General of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Co-Chair of the new High-level Group on Sustainable Energy for All, set the tone of discussion.
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella on Energy Efficiency
Dr. Yumkella noted that energy efficiency needs to be put in the broader context of resource scarcity. He added that “Sustainable energy for all is about prosperity for all; In order to achieve a stable and secure world, we must address energy poverty” through encouraging behavior changes, partnering with the private sector to take advantage of new business opportunities, and focusing on reducing the waste of resources such as flared gas.
Ambassador Richard Jones on Energy Efficiency
Ambassador Richard Jones, Deputy Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), described the Agency’s commitment to promoting energy efficiency through the development of key data sets, preparation of “Policy Pathways,” and development and periodic updating of the IEA’s 25 Energy Efficiency Recommendations – which, fully implemented, would save 85 Exajoules and more than $1 trillion, and would reduce emissions by 20%.
Jeff Drees on Energy Efficiency
Jeff Drees, US Country President at Schneider Electric, outlined Schneider’s efforts to support energy access in emerging economies through such initiatives as direct energy provision to homes, training for electricians and education for students, launching local businesses, and facilitating performance contracting. Drees also discussed the importance of automating the grid: “It’s about smart supply, smart distribution, and energy visibility.”
Ambassador Carlos Pascual on Energy Efficiency
Ambassador Carlos Pascual, Special Envoy and Coordinator at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources, focused on the need for the public and private sectors to work together to address energy access in order to ensure global peace and prosperity. “The Public sector can help create a better business climate, and create a platform for businesses to be able to invest more effectively.” Pascual noted the critical role of demand-side energy efficiency – as well as building effective power distribution systems and improving regional electrical connectivity –in accommodating the needs of the growing world population.
Vijay Iyer Yumkella on Energy Efficiency
Vijay Iyer, Director of the Department of Sustainable Energy at the World Bank, agreed that energy is central to the development equation, particularly at the local level: “Global ideas, global knowledge, and global financing, but for local results and local impacts.” He noted the important role of the World Bank Group and other development banks in convening key stakeholders, as well as enabling private sector entry into emerging economies, “so that every dollar leverages $3-5 of private investment in a less risky environment.” As a key element of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative, the World Bank is also working to develop complete supply chains for gas in local markets around the world.
Panelist Discussion on International Energy Efficiency
During the final discussion of opportunities and barriers related to extending energy access to all, the panelists agreed that in order to avoid political and social conflict, it will be critical to work together to address energy poverty through public-private collaboration, facilitating local financing, sharing information (e.g., through the World Bank’s new EE Community of Practice), and investing in people -- starting with children. As Iyer noted, “This is really the point where forces are coming together and it’s an opportune moment, but the challenge is tremendous.”
