We must be fair in our quest for energy transition says Qatar

Qatar said that world cannot solve its environmental and climate change problems without being realistic and fair about the solution

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The Minister of State for Energy Affairs, President and CEO of QatarEnergy H E Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi said the world can’t solve its environmental and climate change problems without being realistic about the solution.

In his remarks during an opening panel discussion of the Global Energy Forum, which was held in Abu Dhabi, Al Kaabi also highlighted some of the challenges that face stable energy markets and prices, including geopolitical tensions and turmoil, lack of investment in new energy sources, and meeting the financial requirements for investments that will help achieve the environmental ambitions, adding that making unachievable plans and promises will takes us across the finish line. 

The Qatar Energy president also stressed that, so far, global “net zero” ambitions have not been supported with an actual plan beyond setting expectations by a certain date.

Urging the need for fairness with regards to investments in oil and gas, he said it is very unfair for some in the West to say African countries should not invest in oil and gas and to be green when it was important for their economies, national growth, and prosperity, as well as for the oil-based solutions and everyday products they need, and which renewables cannot produce or manufacture.

The Minister of State added that natural gas is not a transition fuel but rather a destination fuel. He also highlighted the need for immediate and effective action against burning coal, which is the most serious pollutant. 

“30% of the world’s electricity is generated by burning coal, which is being used in record levels today by the same countries which have called to stop coal burning. Still, we hear the calls demonizing oil and gas but not coal – the biggest polluter on the planet,” Al Kaabi said