The US rejoins the World Energy Council

Under efforts to play a key role in the global energy transition, the US has rejoined the World Energy Council, ahead of the 2022 summit. This move brings the US back into the arms of the World Energy Council (WEC), which it co-founded in 1923, ahead of next year’s 25th World Energy Congress, which is set to be held in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Joining the ‘independent, neutral and impartial member-based international energy network’ will enable the US to share its expertise to enhance the global energy industry, as well as to access best practices from council members on how to, for instance, optimise its adoption of digital solutions and renewable energy as the digital transformation and decarbonisation of energy intensifies.

The World Energy Council has more than 3,000 members from over 90 countries and hosts its congress every three years to network and promote communication and collaboration amongst its members.

Commenting on the development, Dr Angela Wilkinson, Secretary-General of the World Energy Council, said: “We are very happy to welcome back the United States to the World Energy Council community. The US was a founding member of the World Energy Council back in 1923 and has been, throughout the past century, a very active and important member of our worldwide network.

Have you read?
Ed’s Note – US: Mind the (grid) gap
$50 billion to modernise US power grid
US DoE sets a new target for long-duration energy storage

US research and development organisation the Electric Power Research Insititute has been tasked with hosting the country’s new US World Energy Council Committee.

By joining the council, the US is expected to retain its leadership role in the global energy landscape which is characterised by the need to foster collaboration in transitioning the global economy to renewable energy-based.

The development follows the withdrawal of the US in crucial global and regional consortiums and agreements such as the Paris Climate Change Agreement, the World Health Organisation and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action under the Trump Agreement. However, with the Biden-Harris Administration focusing on addressing climate change, we are seeing the US returning to these agreements.

Wilkinson, added: “Today, the United States is a country leading human and technological innovation across the energy mix. It is committed to advancing a clean and socially inclusive energy transition and is actively supporting nations all around the world. With the return of the United States to the COP agreements, the world is seeing a new and more inclusive era in global energy leadership, and I’m sure we will all benefit from the influence and impact the US will have at a global scale to achieve more energy climate neutrality ambitions.”

Arshad Mansoor, President and CEO of EPRI, reiterated: “R&D is the foundation of an affordable, reliable, and equitable clean energy transition. Partnering with the World Energy Council enhances EPRI’s ability to advance essential innovation through global collaboration.”

The US hosted successful editions of the World Energy Congress in 1936, 1974 and 1998, fueling energy conversations amongst global powers.