Al Sada calls for comprehensive energy dialogue

DOHA/Algiers: Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr. Mohammad bin Saleh Al Sada has stressed the need for a comprehensive dialogue by the energy stakeholders of the world. At a time when the world is in pursuit of sustainable energy sources for its developmental needs, global energy transition is a matter of high priority, Dr. Al Sada said.

Sharing the ‘ministerial perspective’ to the official publication of the ongoing 15th International Energy Forum (IEF15) in Algeria, Dr. Al Sada stated ‘ensuring the availability and accessibility of reliable sources of energy is a pivotal challenge the world faces today”.
The world is not at a crossroads of economic development and climate challenge. It brings about a new transition, towards a more sustainable energy mix characterised by universal access to reliable, efficient sources of energy. During this transition, oil and gas are expected to continue to play a dominant role, he said.

“When the world is in pursuit of sustainable energy sources for its developmental needs, it is imperative that this should be the focus of enhanced attention and scrutiny by energy policy makers at all levels. It is therefore very pertinent that the 15th International Energy Forum Ministerial has chosen ‘global energy transition’ as the main theme in its energy dialogue,” Dr. Al Sada said.

“It is therefore a matter of paramount importance for the energy stakeholders of the world, in the pursuit of sustainable energy development, to consider the prospects and larger consequences that are related to the energy transition”.

Dr. Al Sada said Qatar, under the wise guidance of the country’s visionary leadership, has made huge investment in production and export of LNG-a cleaner fossil fuel that contributes to the global efforts in mitigating climate change. “With annual exports of 77 million tons,it is the world’s largest LNG exporter. This not only energises the global economy, but contributes to the reduction of CO2 emission by providing ab economically competitive and efficient source of energy”.

Dr. Al Sada, who is also the current president of Opec, met with Opec Secretary General Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, at the Opec Secretariat offices at the International Convention centre in Algiers on Sunday. He was joined in the visit to the Secretary General at the newly opened Convention centre by Algeria’s Energy Minister Noureddine Boutarfa. “Opec Petroleum and Energy Ministers have been arriving in the Algerian capital to attend the IEF Meeting, which brings producers and consumers together to discuss energy market conditions. Opec Ministers are also due to hold informal talks scheduled for September 28, at which they will discuss the current oil market situation,” the cartel said in an official statement.

According to IEF15 schedule, Dr. Al Sada is to address a session on “Natural gas: challenges for the industry, the LNG chain and implications for market structure”.