Saudi Energy Minister Calls for Urgent Action on Global Energy Poverty at OPEC Seminar
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, has emphasized the pressing need to confront global energy poverty, warning that the challenge is far greater than currently acknowledged. His remarks came during an address at the OPEC International Seminar held in Vienna on Monday.
Highlighting the scale of the crisis, Prince Abdulaziz referenced United Nations estimates that 1.2 billion people worldwide live in energy poverty, but noted that the actual number may be nearly three times higher. He added that over two billion individuals continue to depend on traditional and unsafe cooking fuels, which pose significant health and environmental risks.
The minister revealed that Saudi Arabia has mobilized a dedicated team working across Africa and Southeast Asia to help combat energy poverty. These efforts involve direct engagement with local governments to develop and implement practical, on-the-ground solutions.
Prince Abdulaziz underscored the Kingdom’s longstanding and consistent energy policies, stressing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to translating policy into tangible outcomes that prioritize human well-being and development.
He issued a caution against allowing the global energy transition to undermine economic development, calling for a realistic and inclusive approach that respects the economic contexts of individual nations.
Reiterating the importance of energy diversification, the minister stressed that oil and gas must remain integral to the global energy mix alongside the ongoing expansion of renewable energy sources. He warned that abandoning conventional fuels too quickly could jeopardize access to reliable and affordable energy in many regions.
With the global population projected to approach 10 billion by 2050 and energy demand expected to increase by 50%, Prince Abdulaziz called for a balanced, multifaceted energy strategy to ensure sustainable, equitable energy access for all.
