Vienna: Speaking at OPEC's 9th International Seminar via video, Iranian Energy Minister and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) President Mohsen Paknejad emphasized the importance of a science-based and non-ideological approach to energy. He highlighted OPEC's significant role in ensuring global energy security.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Paknejad stressed the importance of respecting all viewpoints and the necessity for mutual respect to achieve shared solutions. He pointed out that OPEC's ongoing international engagements underline the need for energy, as a fundamental component of the global economy and daily life, to remain stable.
Paknejad referenced the latest data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), noting that last year experienced record-high energy demand across all sources. He stated that oil alone accounted for approximately 30 percent of global energy supply. OPEC, he noted, plays a critical role in balancing markets and curbing price volatility, which impacts the entire world, including Austria, the host nation of the seminar.
On the subject of energy transition, Paknejad acknowledged the progress in renewable energy and electric-vehicle sales. However, he insisted that decarburization efforts should be grounded in science and realism, rather than ideological slogans. He further emphasized that all technologies, sectors, and voices must be included in the transition process, marking OPEC as indispensable for its success.
Paknejad concluded his remarks by referencing a statement from the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) President Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber, asserting, "Energy has the power to reshape the world."