SEA Senior Fellow Dr. Helge Haldorsen Gives Keynote Speech in Barcelona

On June 29, Switch Energy Alliance Senior Fellow Dr. Helge Haldorsen gave an opening keynote at The European LPG Association’s Congress in Barcelona, Spain, attended by 1400 energy professionals. 

Dr. Haldorsen’s presentation focused on the dual challenge facing us today: energy access for all while protecting the environment.

After summarizing the “state of the ship” for “spaceship earth” with the 195 countries on Earth characterized as “passengers”, the outlook for the continued journey to a sustainable energy transition by 2050 was discussed with IPCC acting as the captain of “spaceship earth”. 

Dr. Haldorsen stressed that it really is a “tale of two cities” where the “have nots” are in a dire situation with pollution now prematurely killing 9 million annually. This occurs primarily in emerging and developing nations, while the developed nations can afford to clean up. As the world attempts to accelerate decarbonization, the energy density difference between fossil fuels and renewables makes the switch a tall order and the scaling down of fossil fuels must be matched by the ramping up of renewables to avoid shortages, high prices, and volatility.

Dr. Haldorsen further stressed the need for critical thinking, civil dialogue, and factually complete energy education as a just energy transition is a very complex and multifaceted problem to solve. 

There are pros and cons with all forms of energy. The energy mix transitions at different speeds in different countries, and a sustainable transition must consider both economic and environmental needs. Dr. Haldorsen’s optimistic conclusion was that it is all solvable if we act as one team, one Earth, not leaving anyone behind.

Switch Energy Alliance plans to send Dr. Haldorsen around the world on more presentations to carry out the mission of inspiring an energy educated future.