WSDS 2023: Towards Energy Security and Inclusive Energy Transitions

Attaining energy security has been one of the central pillars for countries around the world as energy is essential for human development and economic growth. Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all is Goal 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In this context, the session on energy security and inclusive energy transitions began with comments from moderator Mr AK Saxena, who set the tone and said, “Energy security is usually seen from supply side perspective. However, it is equally important to underline that the demand side has an extremely important role in furthering energy security.”
In a video message, H.E. Ms Kadri Simson shared thought-provoking insights and remarked, “Green hydrogen will be part of India’s success, and it will be a pillar of our energy dialogue in future. One year ago, the Russian invasion of Ukraine kicked off a huge shift and how we think of our energy systems. We have not changed course but simply the speed at which we reach our end destination. Our sustainability and climate goals remain the same.” The fact that we cannot take anything related to our environment and ecosystem for granted was highlighted by Ms Simson. The reliance on raw materials for a sustainable energy future, be it solar panels, batteries and electrolysers, was stressed upon by her. “We will work with India and others such as the International Solar Alliance to diversify our (energy) supply chains and make them more resilient,” she added.
In the Ministerial Address, NITI Aayog’s Mr Suman Bery said, “For a country like India, one can meet their access requirements while still providing a facilitating environment for new energy sources that require substantial government action.”

Ministerial Addresses:
Mr Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog, India,
H.E. Ms Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy
Leadership Addresses:
Dr Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All
Mr Arne Walther, Former Chairman, International Energy Agency
Lord Adair Turner, Chairman, Energy Transitions Commission
Prof Kazuhiko Takeuchi, President, Institute for Global Environmental Studies
Dr Jon Creyts, Chief Executive Officer, Rocky Mountain Institute
Mr Saurabh Kumar, India Head, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet
Ms Seema Paul, Program Director, Sequoia Climate Foundation
Moderator: Mr AK Saxena, Senior Director, TERI

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