Press Release 16 September 2008

WEC launches first-ever assessment 
of national energy policies

The energy sector is beset with a number of formidable challenges: steep run-up in energy prices, consumer concerns over high energy costs, budget imbalances in oil importing countries, climate change and uncertainties concerning future energy supplies.

To address this challenge and foster greater understanding of effective energy policies, the World Energy Council (WEC), the foremost global organisation of the energy industry, is launching the first-ever assessment of energy policies, based on a multi-dimensional index.

The aim of this multi-criteria index is first to characterize national energy policies based on quantitative data, secondly to assess the relevance of such policies given the local and global priorities, and thirdly to compare and benchmark the results within clusters of similar countries.

A preliminary report will be unveiled during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) that will take place December 1-12, in Poznan, Poland. The first full WEC report, which will cover up to 60 countries, will be delivered in December 2009 as a support to the UNFCCC Conference in Copenhagen.

The assessment white paper is presented today to a distinguished audience of energy industry professionals at the FT-WEC Energy Leaders Summit in London.

Pierre Gadonneix, Chairman, WEC stated:
“The elaboration of effective energy policy has clearly emerged as the foremost priority if the industry is to successfully adapt to the new global environment. The WEC Assessment aims at fostering dialogue and discussion across all stakeholders in order to help ensure that the very best solutions are adopted to meet each country’s energy needs while addressing the global challenges.”

Dr Robert Schock, Director of Studies, WEC added:
“Our objective is to promote an understanding of energy policy priorities and options across all countries. It is also to accelerate the achievement of energy and climate sustainability on a global scale.”

WEC Media contact:
Theresa Hedberg: hedberg@worldenergy.org
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7734 5996
Stephan Albrechtskirchinger: albrechtskirchinger@worldenergy.org
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7734 5996