2 May 2016: Energy Ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) and the European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy met under the theme ‘Global Energy Security for Growth.’ The ministerial meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint statement, titled the ‘Kitakyushu Initiative on Energy Security for Global Growth,’ in which the Ministers express their intention to: “play their full part” in implementing the Paris Agreement on climate change and accelerate work towards transitioning to an energy system that enables a decarbonisation of the global economy; and facilitate investments for secure and sustainable energy.

In the statement, Ministers encourage “all Parties, particularly the major emitters, to ratify or otherwise join the Paris Agreement as soon as possible, thereby facilitating its prompt entry into force.” They also recognize the energy system’s role in implementing the Paris Agreement.

On energy security, they express their intention to, inter alia: continue efforts to improve the functioning and resilience of gas markets; support development of new technologies and expanded uses for natural gas as a less carbon intensive fossil fuel, including in the transportation sector; and stress the need to conduct the production, processing, distribution and use of natural gas so as to minimize releases of methane. On electricity security, they welcome the report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on electricity security and the report by the IEA, in cooperation with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), on grid integration of variable renewable sources, including its no-regret options.

On energy sustainability, the Ministers: confirm their intention to enhance cooperation in energy technology innovation, research, development and deployment to accelerate the required technological progress towards clean energy; welcome the international initiatives launched under the Lima Paris Action Agenda; reiterate their support for Mission Innovation (MI), launched at the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the UNFCCC in Paris, stressing the importance of accelerating widespread clean energy innovation. Regarding the deployment of clean energy technologies, they welcome the launch of the second phase of IEA Technology Roadmaps focusing on viable and high impact technologies, and call on countries that opt to make use of carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) to further work on large-scale demonstration projects.

The Ministers further: encourage collaboration among relevant research laboratories and institutes to promote the development of innovative clean energy technologies; and commit to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption, and encourage all countries to do so by 2025.

On energy efficiency, they recognize the key role of energy efficiency to decarbonise their economies, enhance energy security and foster economic growth. They indicate their intention to continue work on energy efficiency, support international cooperation on energy efficiency activities, and increase energy productivity in all sectors.

Addressing ministers, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol stressed the need for a long-term perspective on energy security and sustainability in policy and investment decisions. He urged investment in high-quality and innovative energy infrastructure, and underscored the importance of energy investment for global growth and to meet climate objectives. He concluded by calling for ensuring an affordable energy supply.

The members of the G7 are: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US. The energy ministers met in Kitakyushu, Japan, on 1-2 May 2016, in advance of the G7 Summit to be held 26-27 May 2016 in Ise-Shima, Japan. [Joint Statement] [G7 Energy Ministerial Meeting Website] [G7 Website] [IEA Press Release]