Future Energy Leaders Program at a glance

The first day will focus on the need to manage the growing energy demand of the Planet. It is becoming increasingly obvious that the growth in energy consumption witnessed in recent years around the world cannot simply be extrapolated into the future. Moreover, nearly two billion people today have no access to adequate supplies of energy for their basic needs: this situation can no longer be ignored. The demographic and economic growth in the emerging economies will require most of the additional capacity needed for the global energy system. Responding adequately to that growing demand will pose major challenges. The recent slowdown of the global world economy may bring temporary relief, but the challenges are still imminent.

Sustainability and acceptability are now the prerequisites for any long term energy supply strategy for our Planet. In fact, any viable energy strategy must now include complete assessments and management plans for environmental or social impact. It must also be formulated with public participation and give priority to more efficient systems and technologies. The development of efficient, sustainable energy policies and practices is a complex task involving many parties.

Financing energy projects requires clear policies and stable regulatory frameworks to ensure optimal use of resources, and good rates of return on investments. Achieving a balance between these three elements is not easy, and will require unprecedented levels of public-private cooperation and new forms of government partnership.