G20 energy ministers do not agree on final document, but baseline approaches supported - Russian energy minister
MOSCOW. Sept 2 (Interfax) - Today's energy agenda obliges world powers to have an honest and productive dialogue based on equality, economic efficiency and mutual respect of interests, the press service for the Russian Energy Ministry cited Minister Nikolai Shulginov as saying during the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting.
"The joint meeting of the G20 energy ministers ended without the adoption of an agreed upon document due to destructive, politicized proposals from the West. Nevertheless, the basic approaches on many current issues of the energy sector received unanimous support. An important achievement was the approval of the Bali Treaty, which sets out voluntary principles for the implementation of energy transitions, taking into account national circumstances. The results of this work will be formulated in the statement of the Indonesian presidency," the statement reads.
The Russian energy minister noted that the G20 meeting is taking place amid a global energy crisis, when unprecedented pressure and sanctions, combined with inflationary surges and disruptions in global supply chains, have destabilized and distorted the energy market, thereby undermining global and national energy security around the world.
"The actions of some countries go against market logic and are to the detriment of their own citizens. Energy consumption and demand are used as an instrument of political pressure. Despite the restrictions imposed, Russia's energy industry and economy continue to function steadily. Russia is doing everything necessary to fulfill its contractual obligations to supply energy resources, as well as diversifying energy exports," he said.
The situation in the global energy sector has been affected by the unbalanced transition of a number of countries to "green" technologies when implementing the climate agenda, the chronic underfunding of investments in the energy sector, as well as problems with the dissemination of advanced technologies, Shulginov said.
"The current energy crisis complicates the task of achieving sustainable development goals, including access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, eliminating energy shortages and inequalities," he said.
Western policy leads to negative socio-economic consequences for developing countries, as well as for the initiators of sanctions, where the problem of energy poverty is acute, Shulginov said. In some countries, there has been a climate reversal in favor of a return to coal-fired generation, which contradicts the proclaimed climate ambitions of these nations.
"The crisis can only be overcome by eliminating its root causes," the minister said, listing the restoration of natural energy resource flow chains and the construction of a balanced energy-climate policy. "In particular, solving the problem of reducing the impact on the climate should not lead to restrictions on access to energy. And instead of radically abandoning coal generation, it is preferable to introduce progressive technologies for cleaner use of this energy resource," Shulginov said.
"A way out of this crisis is possible only through the elimination of its root causes," the minister said, listing the restoration of natural energy resource flow chains, building a balanced energy and climate policy. "In particular, solving the problem of reducing the impact on the climate should not lead to restrictions on access to energy. And instead of radical rejection of coal generation, it is preferable to introduce progressive technologies for cleaner use of this energy resource," the minister said.
He stressed that on the way to a low-carbon future, gas retains its importance as a transitional fuel, and nuclear power, the introduction of advanced waste-free reactors, and hydropower are gaining importance.
"By combining conventional and alternative energy sources, using carbon capture and storage technologies, we can take an evolutionary path toward a climate-neutral future. This must happen in accordance with national plans. For example, Russia has chosen a horizon of no later than 2060 for achieving carbon neutrality," he said.
Shulginov said in conclusion that Russia perceives the G20 as a leading mechanism of global economic governance. Previously, the forum has repeatedly made a significant contribution to responding effectively to acute challenges in the global economy, such as the U.S. financial crisis triggered in 2008 or the consequences of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The minister added that this forum should further promote a multipolar world order, stimulate economic growth and strengthen energy security. He expressed hope that this year's G20 summit in Bali in November will provide an additional impetus to these efforts and set a positive vector for successive presidencies of friendly countries such as India in 2023 and Brazil in 2024.
The G20 includes the United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, China, India, the European Union, Argentina, Australia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey. Spain is a regular visitor.