Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, highlighted the inclusivity of COP28 – a departure from previous editions in which the oil and gas industry was notably absent – in an exclusive statement to Energy Capital & Power on December 4 at COP28 in Dubai.
“A few years back, in Glasgow, the oil and gas industry did not have a voice in the chapter, and it is great to see that now the sector takes a prominent place in discussions surrounding a just energy transition,” said Dr. Ibrahim.
The Secretary General noted that the shift in dialogue could be attributed to the last two COP host countries – Egypt and the UAE – being significant players in the oil and gas sector. This signifies a growing recognition that the petroleum industry must play a vital role in addressing climate change, and that renewable technologies alone are not enough to meet ambitious Paris Agreement goals.
“This hesitancy has made many companies reluctant to invest in renewable projects without assured results, prompting the need for a measured transition including traditional players too,” he stated.
Underscoring the economic realities faced by developing countries, including those in Africa, Dr. Ibrahim added: “It is unfair to expect these nations to shift directly to renewable energy, mirroring the efforts of developed countries in the Americas, Asia and Europe.”
Acknowledging financial and other constraints, APPO advocates for a just energy transition that recognizes diverse capacities and challenges, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable pursuit of a greener future.
