The developing world will soon catch up and overtake the developed world in terms of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions because of higher rates of increase of energy demand. If the developing world is to follow the example of the developed world in terms of using coal, oil and natural gas to satisfy its energy needs, this will exacerbate energy security and environmental problems. It is thus imperative that developing countries “leap frog” over the conventional energy consumption path straight to the cleanest possible energy technologies, including renewable and hydrogen energy technologies. UNIDO-ICHET could help in this transition by supporting the funding and realisation of pilot projects.

Last week, Director General of UNIDO-ICHET Dr. Mustafa Hatipoglu paid a courtesy visit to D-8 Secretary-General, H.E Widi Pratikto. Both figures had a productive coordination talks in energy area. So many issues were discussed during the meeting, such as potential cooperation in the future, the cleanest possible energy technologies, including renewable and hydrogen energy technologies, as well as further introduction on the both organization to both sides. “This visit was filled with the exchange of views among the two organizations with regards to the development of renewable energy in our countries,” said Pratikto. Dr. Hatipoglu underlined the need for technology development and cooperation with relevant parties in order to face energy crisis to find renewable energy through new innovation.

Energy is one of the priority areas of cooperation in D-8 Organization. D-8 successfully held two Renewable Energy meetings in Ankara and Jakarta. During the first meeting in D-8 Secretariat, Istanbul, last week, the potential projects, the proposals for further cooperation and also the reports of D-8 1st and 2nd Renewable Energy meetings in this field were touched upon during the visit.