On Wednesday 27th November, the Brazil and Poland Member Committees of the World Energy Council in collaboration with PwC, organised a World Energy Café to discuss how climate change is impacting energy systems.
This vital conversation brought together diverse perspectives, shedding light on shared challenges and opportunities in building a sustainable and resilient energy future. Overall, the dialogue revealed significant alignment on the critical areas of focus for tackling climate change and enhancing resilience, such as the need for diversified energy sources, robust infrastructure, inclusive policies, and collaborative efforts across borders.
- Water Scarcity and Energy Production: A significant concern across multiple regions is the interdependence of water and energy. Panellists emphasized that water scarcity directly impacts energy production, particularly in regions reliant on hydroelectric power. This issue was particularly underscored by representatives from Poland and South Africa.
- Diverse Energy Mix and Resilience: There is a consensus on the need to diversify energy sources to enhance resilience against supply disruptions. This includes integrating renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro) alongside traditional energy sources (natural gas, nuclear) to ensure a stable and secure energy supply.
- Infrastructure Investment: The importance of investing in modernizing and maintaining energy infrastructure was a recurring theme. Many panellists stressed the need for investments in smart grid technologies, energy storage solutions, and infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.
- Policy Frameworks and Regulatory Environment: The need for swift and effective policy adaptations was highlighted. Panellists discussed the importance of creating regulatory environments that facilitate the transition to renewable energy and promote investment in new technologies without overburdening consumers.
- Community Engagement and Energy Equity: There is a shared recognition of the need to address energy poverty and ensure that vulnerable communities are included in the energy transition. Community-owned energy projects and microgrids were suggested as ways to empower local populations and enhance energy access.
- Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: The discussion underscored the value of collaboration among countries and sectors. Sharing best practices, technological innovations, and lessons learned across different regions can enhance resilience and facilitate the energy transition.
- Financing and Investment Strategies: There is alignment on the necessity of developing innovative financing mechanisms. Panellists discussed various funding approaches, including public-private partnerships, customer fees, taxes, and market-based solutions to finance necessary infrastructure and technological advancements.
This conversation reinforced the critical need for global cooperation, innovation, and swift action to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and energy resilience. By working together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and ensure a sustainable and secure energy future.