World Coal Association supports IEA position on individual pathways

London, 18 May, 2021: The World Coal Association (WCA) supports recognition by the International Energy Agency (IEA) that countries have the sovereign right to choose their own pathway to a net zero emissions future.

World Coal Association CEO, Michelle Manook, says the just-released IEA Report, Net Zero by 2050, recognises the importance for individual countries to make their own energy choices which are specific to their own unique needs and resource availability.

Countries need to do their own reality check and choose the energy pathway that best meets their economic, social and environmental requirements. We have always respected that right and believe this is a rational and realistic approach to any achievement of a net zero outcome.”

Ms Manook says national governments are best placed to make policy decisions about energy sources which balance energy security with the need to industrialise and modernise at the same time as they decarbonise.
Countries need to consider the best way that they can provide power to their people. Countries like China and India are charting their own paths by being responsible climate custodians through deployment of a broad mix of energy solutions from renewables and nuclear to High Efficiency, Low Emissions (HELE), Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and Hydrogen.”

Ms Manook says the IEAs report acknowledges the importance of key abatement technologies such as Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).

She says clean technologies are fundamental to meeting Paris” climate change goals.

The original articles of the *Paris Agreement identified the importance of clean technologies in mitigating emissions, and the need for cooperative action in development and deployment.

We have always said this debate has to be one of inclusion not exclusion. Its now time for collaborative action. We look forward to all participants – governments, industry and the investment community working together to create pragmatic energy solutions.”

This is not a best intentions debate. Its about feasible choices, technical competency and commercial reality. Everyone and everything are needed.”

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*Parties, noting the importance of technology for the implementation of mitigation and adaptation actions underthis Agreement and recognizing existing technology deployment and dissemination efforts, shall strengthen
cooperative action on technology development and transfer. Ref. Paris Agreement (Article 10.2)