Are the world’s long-term decarbonisation needs compatible with a continuing role for coal?

This is a joint event with the British Institute of Energy Economics.

The 2018 BP Energy Markets Review suggests that the ‘war’ on coal is being lost, with last year seeing a growth in coal consumption of 1% and an increase of 1.5% in carbon emissions.

The growths recorded are driven by emerging economies, mainly in India and China. Thus, however much we may achieve in the UK, if we are going to succeed in moving the world to a carbon emissions-constrained regime, progress will only be achieved if the emerging economies come on board.

The event will start with a presentation of the 2019 BP Energy Markets Review, published just the previous month, to set out its findings and recommendations, with a particular focus on coal production. This will be followed by a panel of speakers to discuss the implications, the role of CCUS in the UK, and how the world can reduce its reliance on coal.

Jorge Blazquez, Head of Power and Renewables Analysis for BP, will present and then be joined by Adrian Gault, Chief Economist at the Committee on Climate Change that advises the UK Government and Dr Xi Liang, Senior Lecturer in Energy Finance & Director, Centre for Business and Climate Change at the University of Edinburgh Business School. The panel will be chaired by BIEE President, Charles Hendry, former UK government minister for Energy and Honorary Professor at the Business School.

Panel members include:

• Jorge Blazquez; Head of Power and Renewables Analysis; BP
• Adrian Gault; Chief Economist; The Committee on Climate Change
• Dr Xi Liang; Senior Lecturer in Energy Finance & Director, Centre for Business and Climate Change; University of Edinburgh Business School
• Professor Charles Hendry; BIEE President; Former UK Government Minister for Energy and Honorary Professor; University of Edinburgh Business School
• Professor Stuart Haszeldine; Chair in Carbon Capture and Storage; School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh