International Energy Transition Society Participates in the 11th International Energy Executive Forum

The 11th International Energy Executive Forum was successfully held in Beijing on December 10-11, 2024. Co-hosted by the Economic and Technical Research Institute of China National Petroleum Corporation and S&P Global, the forum attracted nearly 500 representatives from government agencies, industry associations, energy companies, think tanks, research institutions, and financial investment organizations, all gathered to discuss the future of global energy transition.

Mr. Sun Xiansheng, Chairman of the International Society for Energy Transition Studies, the 4th Secretary General of the International Energy Forum (IEF), and Senior Research Fellow at the Taihe Institute, attended as the founder and honorary chairman of the forum. The event featured keynote speeches from several renowned experts in the energy sector, with Mr. Sun moderating the addresses of Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of S&P Global, and Zhang Xiaoqiang, former Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission and Executive Vice Chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

In his speech, Daniel Yergin highlighted the profound changes in the global energy landscape, particularly the fundamental shift in oil and gas supply and demand. He pointed out that the rapid development of renewable energy and new energy technologies has allowed China to take a leading role in the global energy transition. Meanwhile, the U.S. has become the world’s largest LNG exporter thanks to the shale revolution, and the Ukraine crisis has led to a shift in oil and gas supply away from Russia. Yergin emphasized that the energy transition faces significant challenges, requiring countries to consider factors such as economic development, energy security, and geopolitical priorities. He called for a rational and balanced approach to energy transition that takes these various factors into account.

Mr. Zhang Xiaoqiang, in his keynote, provided a detailed analysis of China’s efforts to achieve high-quality energy development and ensure energy security. He explained that China has built a comprehensive energy supply system encompassing coal, electricity, oil, natural gas, new energy, and renewables, with significant improvements in technology and equipment. He stressed that technological innovation and industrial development play critical roles in China’s energy transition. In his view, building a new energy system should follow the principle of “establishing first and breaking later,” while also ensuring that fossil fuels continue to play a key role in securing energy supply during the transition.

Following the keynote speeches, Mr. Sun moderated an engaging dialogue with both speakers, exploring topics such as the potential energy policies under the new U.S. leadership and China’s current economic situation. The discussion offered valuable insights into the international energy landscape and China’s energy strategy.

The forum served as a platform for energy experts and scholars to exchange ideas on the opportunities and challenges of the global energy future. The International Energy Transition Society remains committed to advancing the global energy transition and supporting international cooperation and dialogue.