MoU to facilitate a dialogue between govts, coal industry

17th March 2017

MoU to facilitate a dialogue between govts, coal industry

CHRISTIAN BACH Clean coal technologies are critical to achieve the goals in the Paris Climate Agreement

To help facilitate a dialogue between governments and the coal industry, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the World Coal Association (WCA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that formalises their long-term collaboration.

Through this MoU, signed on January 19, the UNECE and the WCA aim to increase the awareness of the role of coal in the global energy mix and in providing access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

“Coal will continue to be part of the global energy supply for the foreseeable future. Therefore, clean coal technologies are critical to achieve the goals in the Paris Climate Agreement including high-efficiency and low-emissions technologies, methane management, carbon capture and storage, and identifying the most efficient coal resources,” says UNECE executive secretary Christian Bach, noting that the UNECE looks forward to working with the WCA to achieve this.

WCA CEO Benjamin Sporton says by keeping coal in the energy mix and supporting technology that reduces emissions, “we’ll be making energy affordable and accessible to all”.

The organisations will work together through the UNECE’s Committee on Sustainable Energy and its subsidiary bodies, the Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane and the Group of Experts on Cleaner Electricity Production from Fossil Fuels.

The WCA will also assist in disseminating information on the United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources 2009 and its application to solid minerals.

The UNECE was set up in 1947 to promote Pan-European economic integration and includes 56 member States in Europe, North America and Asia. More than 70 international professional and nongovernment organisations (NGOs) take part in UNECE activities.

The UNECE facilitates greater economic integration and cooperation among its member countries and promotes sustainable development and economic prosperity through policy dialogue, negotiation of international legal instruments, development of regulations and norms, and the exchange and application of best practices and technical expertise.

The WCA is a global industry association formed of major international coal producers and stakeholders. It works to demonstrate and gain acceptance for the fundamental role coal plays in achieving a sustainable and lower carbon energy future.

The association provides a voice for coal in international energy, environment and development forums, presenting the case for coal to key decision-makers, including government Ministers, development banks, NGOs, international media, the energy industry, business, finance and research bodies.