OPEC: Countries must prioritise eradicating energy poverty

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says eradicating energy poverty must remain top of its agenda amid the drive to tackle climate change in the world.

Mohammad Barkindo, secretary-general, OPEC, said this on Tuesday at the organisation’s 21st coordination meeting on climate change.

Barkindo said it had become clear that the world was not doing enough to reach the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement.

Consequently, he said, there was a need for all countries to enhance their nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

“However, developing countries, in particular, are struggling more than ever with energy security in the face of the pandemic, in addition to climate change adaptation measures,” he said.

“Therefore, it is essential that we leverage this platform to enhance collaboration and cooperation on these issues.

“We need to continue to fight for energy security in a sustainable and just manner, apart from the climate change challenges.

“Eradicating energy poverty must remain at the top of our agenda.”

According to him, OPEC is concerned that impulsive decisions can lead to a disorderly energy transition, which will see energy-exporting developing countries lose out once more. 

“In order for our countries to develop and for a just transition to occur, we need to have the opportunity to develop our energy resources in a clean way as possible,” he said.

“This requires international cooperation and partnership and the provision of sufficient finance, along with technology research and transfer.

“This will have the additional effect of supporting oil market stability and in turn the world economy, which is still recovering from the pandemic.”

Barkindo said when countries experience energy deficiency, they latch on to available energy sources, at the cost of higher greenhouse gas emissions.

He added that affordable, clean energy for all was necessary for both the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“It will require the contribution of all forms of energy, with technology supporting their most efficient possible production and use,” Barkindo said.