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In the context of the Glasgow Climate Change Conference approaching and the global energy market turmoil, the "World Energy Outlook 2021" report released by the International Energy Agency on the 13th local time attracted everyone's attention. The report pointed out that the global clean energy transition progress is "too slow" to complete climate change-related commitments on time, which also contains a greater risk of energy price fluctuations.

The Director of the International Energy Agency, Birol, said in an exclusive interview with a reporter from China Central Radio and Television that day that he hopes that this report can inject impetus into countries to accelerate the transition to clean energy and make people truly aware of the crux of the current energy market turmoil.

Birol said that the problems of energy shortages and price increases for some time have been caused by multiple factors. In particular, economic recovery from fossil fuels, extreme weather in many parts of the world, and predictable and unexpected energy supply shortages have jointly affected the balance of supply and demand. Economic growth, population growth, and people's pursuit of better lifestyles will all push up energy demand. However, the global investment in meeting future energy needs is obviously insufficient, which will cause the energy market to be shrouded in more turbulence. Birol therefore called on governments of all countries to introduce incentive policies for investment in clean energy technologies and related infrastructure. In order to achieve a stable energy transition, global investment in clean energy must be doubled on the current basis in the next 10 years.

Birol, Director of the International Energy Agency: Some countries have done very well, and we have seen hydropower development in Europe. Looking at China again, whether it is photovoltaics, wind power, hydropower, or new energy vehicles, it ranks first in the world, so many countries are investing in clean energy. It's just that more needs to be done, not just these countries, more countries should also join in.

The "World Energy Outlook 2021" report pointed out that another reason why the world needs to increase energy transition is that the current emission reduction commitments made by countries are not sufficient to achieve the goal of controlling temperature rise. According to the International Energy Agency's calculations, even if all countries can fully fulfill their commitments on time, the global average temperature will still rise by 2.1 degrees Celsius by 2100, exceeding the established target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. Birol said that choosing to release the report on the eve of the Glasgow Climate Change Conference is to let all countries know the direction of their efforts and to encourage all countries to fill the gap in emissions reduction.

International Energy Agency Director Birol: About 80% of the carbon emissions growth will come from emerging markets and developing countries. I look forward to those developed countries that are responsible for the massive accumulation of carbon in the atmosphere during and after the Glasgow Climate Change Conference. The country can provide financial support for emerging markets and developing countries so that they can use the money as a catalyst to attract more clean energy investment.

China's announcement that it will no longer build overseas coal power projects is of great significance

The International Energy Agency also reminded in the report that this year, due to the substantial increase in coal and oil consumption, carbon dioxide emissions have experienced the second highest annual growth in history. The strength of fossil fuels in the energy structure will counteract the speed of the energy transition. Birol particularly emphasized that China's announcement that it will no longer build new overseas coal power projects will have great significance in promoting green and low-carbon development of energy.

Birol, Director of the International Energy Agency: This means that coal-fired power projects with an installed capacity of up to 190 GW will be cancelled. Converted into carbon dioxide emission reductions, it can accumulate to 20 gigatons, which is equivalent to the total emission reductions planned by the European Union in the next 30 years. China has made great actions, and I hope that China’s momentum can be maintained.