WEC chief Wilkinson redefines and reclaims the phrase ‘energy transition’

Source: Kelvin Ross | · ENLIT · | April 22, 2024

She says ‘energy transition’ has become politically-loaded and polarizing

Source: (Angela Wilkinson opens the Congress. Photo: WEC)

The words ‘energy transition’ have become “one of the most frequently-used, politically-loaded and polarizing phrases of recent years” according to World Energy Council secretary-general and CEO Angela Wilkinson.

Speaking at the opening evening ceremony of the 26th World Energy Congress in Rotterdam, she added that the phrase is “also a source of confusion and misunderstanding”.

“For many people energy and electricity are synonymous… of course, we know that is not the case. Energy leadership has done a lousy job of energy literacy in recent decades.

“We also know that today’s energy systems are not fit for purpose. The urgency to secure more energy for sustainable development and to decarbonise all energy uses, not just supplies, is crystal clear.”

She said that managing successful global energy transitions – and she stressed the plural – “is essential, not straightforward, and can’t be done all in one go or by any one nation or network alone”.

“The uncomfortable news is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. No quick and easy fix. Complex coordination challenges cannot be ignored or resolved, even with AI or other technology innovations.

“Success depends on the capabilities of whole societies to manage energy in a new era of globally inclusive, climate-resilient, sustainable development.”