The December 2016 edition of World Energy Inside highlights the World Energy Council's successful year, including a safe delivery of the 23rd World Energy Congress amidst complex political situations. It discusses the focus on marine biotechnology in Korea, North America's energy leadership under new vice chair Robert Hanf, and the upcoming Africa Energy Indaba aimed at addressing energy transition challenges on the continent. Additionally, it notes Denmark's top ranking in energy sustainability and the importance of cooperation between the World Energy Council and OPEC on oil and gas sector developments.

1. World Energy Inside December 2016
World Energy Inside
World Energy Council Secretary reflects back on key moments in 2016
Dear Member Committees,
I wanted to personally thank you for your involvement and for the
enthusiasm you put in all activities organised in 2016. This year has been
very important and intense for the World Energy Council, and without your
support and commitment we would have found it challenging, if not
impossible, to accomplish all the achievements with our flagship reports,
the Congress, and also the further expansion of our network in new
countries. Despite complexities such as the political situation and terrorism
in Turkey in 2016, we delivered a safe and very successful 23rd
World
Energy Congress. Read more
Marine Biotechnology at heart of Korean green growth Strategy
The ocean is an untapped, potentially sustainable source of bioenergy. There
are many examples of the production of bio-energy from marine organisms, but
the production of biofuel from microalgae presents perhaps the most promising
option to harvest this huge energy potential. In Korea, marine biotechnology is
currently the focus of Blue Bio 2016, a strategic plan of the Ministry of land,
transport and Maritime affairs. The strategy places marine biotechnology at the
heart of a green growth strategy that aims to reach growth national product
(GNP) per Capita USD 40, 000 through advances in marine biotechnology. The
strategy accompanied by significant investment and a focus on new research
and development in marine organisms, marine organism production
technology, is set to make Korea a world leader. Read more
North America’s new Vice Chair talks Trump, climate change and innovation
As we enter a new year, the World Energy Council talks to Robert Hanf, the
Council’s new Vice Chair for the North American region about his vision for the next
five years, how to mobilise bright young future energy leaders, as well as his
thoughts on the impact US President-elect Donald J Trump policies may have on
climate change and the energy sector.
He envisions energy transformation will continue in North America, driven by
technological innovation and the push to a lower-carbon economy and sees the
generation of electricity continuing to become cleaner, with better regional
connections and collaboration – especially across international borders. Read more
Key players to discuss new energy realities at Africa Energy Indaba 2017
As we enter 2017, key players in Africa’s Energy Scene will gather in
Johannesburg to facilitate high-level discussions on the new realities for the
sector at the World Energy Council’s Annual Indaba Energy Leader’s dialogue.
In Africa, energy is at the forefront of political and business decision making.
With the visionary agreement at COP21 in Paris, the challenge is to now turn
words into measurable actions at both national and regional levels to accelerate
the energy transition. The ability to deliver and deploy the most effective and
innovative solutions at scale will be key to achieving secure, equitable and
environmentally viable energy systems. But without clear leadership, and
collaboration beyond the borders of individual nations, African nations could fall
short on their ambitions. Read more
News highlights from across the world for members December 2016

2. World Energy Inside December 2016
New energy realities for the future of gas
In recent years, the gas market has suffered several changes. The
discovery of new deposits, the evolution of gas transport techniques and
the new gas pipelines are all elements that modify this market in depth. At
a time of critical transition in the energy sector it is increasingly important
for leading players in the gas industry to have a neutral and independent
arena to exchange views, share best practices and ensure that the role of
natural gas in the wider energy system is understood with clearly
defined policy and market frameworks. Speaking at a press conference
‘Gas markets, projects, challenges and role of natural gas in the future’, at
the Geneva Press Club, World Energy Council Secretary General, Dr
Christoph Frei, talked about the future of gas in the context of the Council’s
recent World Energy Scenarios 2016 report. Read more
Denmark sets ambitious goals as it ranks number 1 in 2016 Trilemma Index
With the government setting ambitious goals for Denmark, the country was
ranked as the world’s number 1 in energy sustainability in the 2016 World
Energy Trilemma Index. For that reason, the Danish National member
committee of the World Energy Council organised a national presentation
and discussion of the Council’s recent Trilemma Index launched at
the 23rd
World Energy Congress in Istanbul in October. The Index rates 125
countries on their ability to provide the country with a secure and
environmental sustainable energy supply at an affordable price Speaking at
the event, on 8 December, Lars Chr. Lilleholt, Danish minister for energy,
utilities and climate commented on Denmark’s leading position: “Denmark
should have the most integrated, market-based and flexible energy system
in Europe”. Read more
The political economy of energy prices
Over recent years, energy prices have played a key role in the development
of political events. Oil price volatility has created winners and losers both at
national and international level, as well as altering the balance of political
economy at a national level and impacting on regional geopolitics. What
actions should governments undertake in order to mitigate the impact of such
volatility? The impact of oil price volatility on investment decisions are at the
forefront more than ever. In this context, this question was one of a number
of issues facing the international energy agenda discussed during the annual
conference of the World Energy Council’s Spanish Committee. Read more
WEC Austria commences dialogue with OPEC
The current and future developments in the oil and gas sector are of
essential importance for the whole energy market. Given this importance,
the World Energy Council Austria and the Organisation of the Petroleum
Exporting Countries determined ongoing cooperation in July 2016.It was
agreed that future collaboration on activities such as events and
information sharing as well as ongoing dialogue between OPEC and the
World Energy Council was crucial. This cooperation successfully started
with a first exchange on 14 September its Young Energy Professionals
visited the OPEC Headquarters in Vienna. Read more
World Energy Council launches new Resources report at 23rd Congress
The 2016 World Energy Resources report launched at the 23rd World Energy
Congress reveals that the unexpectedly high growth in the renewable energies
market, in terms of investment, new capacity and high growth rates in developing
countries, has contributed to falling prices and the increased decoupling of
economic growth and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The energy landscape
has changed with most countries achieving a more diversified energy mix as well
as a growth in community ownerships and an evolution of micro grids. Speaking at
the launch of the report on 12 October, Hans-Wilhelm Schiffer, Executive Chair,
World Energy Resources, said:… Read more

3. WEC
Inside
World Energy Inside December 2016
Africa Energy Indaba 2017
2017’s highly anticipated Africa Energy Indaba, held in Johannesburg between 21 – 22 February, will enable you to
share your knowledge and expertise and best practice with key energy leaders and professionals who come
together to seek solutions for Africa’s energy future.
PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE:
 60 African & Global Energy CEOs
 10 + African energy Ministers
 600+ Delegates
 100+ Exhibitors
 80+ Media representatives
KEY SIDE EVENTS INCLUDE:
 World Energy Council Scenarios workshop
 World Energy Council Africa Regional
workshops
 Africa Energy Leaders Dialogue
 Africa Gas Forum
Become part of Africa Energy Indaba. Sign up to participate in this important process that is shaping the future of
Africa. For more information and to register visit http://www.africaenergyindaba.com/
Upcoming events
WORLD ENERGY CONGRESS 2017 Canadian Industry updated and Insights
24th
World Energy Congress Canadian member committee
Abu Dhabi, UAE 6 February 2017
September 2019 Read more
Key highlights – 23rd
Congress 1-day open dialogue on primary electricity mix
South African member committee South African member committee
18 January 2017 23 February 2017
Read more Read more
World Energy Transformation North Sea Conference AFRICA ENERGY INDABA
Netherlands member committee South Africa member committee
24 January 2017 21-22 February 2017
Read more Read more
About all events read more
UPDATE December 2016
World Energy Inside is the exclusive news
briefing for the Council’s global network.
Published by:
Christoph Frei, Secretary General
62–64 Cornhill, London EC3V 3NH,
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 207734 5996 | Fax: +44 207734 5926
Skype: christoph-frei
AllEditor:
Lucy Chakaodza
Tel: +44 207 292 2090
Email: chakaodza@worldenergy.org
Back issues are available upon
request. Please contact the editor.
© 2016 World Energy Council