Recently, we have often suffered from energy problems like shortages of electricity. For example, because of a shortage of electricity, we had to reduce power use during the heat wave to conserve energy. We use fossil fuels like oil and coal. Most experts predict that these fuels will be exhausted in a few decades. Moreover, they say that fossil fuels cause environmental problems like air pollution. Therefore, we need to develop alternative energies to replace fossil fuels.

The energy problem is one of the biggest problems that we have. It is a problem that has to be addressed because it is very closely related to modern industries and living. To solve this problem and make a better future, many countries and energy experts discuss these problems and seek solutions during the World Energy Congress every three years.


World Energy Congress

The World Energy Congress is the biggest energy congress which is held by the World Energy Council every three years. During the congress, officials, scholars, and chief executive officers in the energy industry from 100 countries share their ideas about the energy industry’s condition and energy in the future.

The World Energy Council, which hosts this congress, is the biggest international nonprofit organization in the energy field. This organization’s mission is “to promote the sustainable supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all people.” With this aim, it shares information about every kind of energy and discusses environmentally friendly energy for the future. In addition, it plays an important role in the energy field in cooperation with other international organizations. 92 countries are registered as council members.

Since its admission in 1969, Korea has been active in the World Energy Council. In Korea, there are international collaborations at the governmental level and energy industry development projects at the public level. Through these activities, the Korean energy industry is getting bigger.


22nd World Energy Congress

The 22nd World Energy Congress is the third time that the congress has been held in Asia. New Delhi was the first host country in 1983. Tokyo held the congress in 1995. This congress will be held in Daegu from October 13 at the Daegu Exhibition and Convention Center.

The main theme of the congress is “Securing Tomorrow’s Energy Today.” Participants will have in-depth discussions about the energy problems that people suffer from during the congress. From the opening ceremony on October 13, there will be speeches and discussions by 210 local and foreign speakers including Christiana Figueres, the executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. On October 14, participants will have a discussion about energy to be used in the future and solutions for current energy problems with the theme “Vision and Scenarios for the Future.” On October 15, participants will have meetings and share ideas about finance and technologies for tomorrow’s energy. Also, the meeting will focus on international cooperation to develop alternative and eco-friendly energies. The next day, on October 16, they will talk about overcoming the energy dilemma, and they will have discussions to find a variety of ways to solve the problems. On October 17, the last day of the congress, they will talk about the theme “Securing a Sustainable Energy Future.”


Events during the 22nd World Energy Congress

There are many events during the 22nd World Energy Congress beyond discussions. During the congress, a number of companies in the energy industry will attend exhibitions to promote their businesses and develop the energy industry. The exhibitions are divided into business and public. There are exhibitions for participants in the congress and buyers from energy industries from October 14 to 17. On October 16 and 17, exhibitions will open to the general public. Public visitors can register at the World Energy Congress’ official Web site and enter the exhibitions after on-site registration.

The World Energy Congress will also offer other programs. On the technical visits program, participants will have opportunities to visit Korean companies like Pohang Steel Company (POSCO) that lead the Korean energy industry. In addition, their companions will have the chance to enjoy famous tourist attractions near Daegu. In addition, the Future Energy Leaders’ Program (FELP) will table discussions and debates by young professionals and students from 92 countries. Like the main congress, this event will be held in Daegu from October 13 to 17. Participants from FELP will also take part in all the programs of the congress.


The World Energy Council works hard to solve the problems of and to find methods for future energy. Despite these international efforts, every summer we have national difficulties because of energy shortages and overconsumption. We have to consider energy problems deeply and solve energy problems together for our present and future, not hand over the responsibility to governments and organizations any longer.