Executive Director on official visit to Canada

OTTAWA – Dr Fatih Birol, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, is in Canada this week as part of a North America visit.

Dr Birol met with Minister of Natural Resources Mr Amarjeet Sohi to discuss the important role that Canada plays in both strengthening global energy security and accelerating action on sustainable energy policies and technologies. They also discussed IEA’s modernization strategy and preparations for this year’s Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation meetings, which will be held in Vancouver in May.

On Tuesday afternoon, Dr Birol delivered a keynote presentation at Canada 2020’s event “Global Energy Outlook 2019.” In his presentation, titled “Positioning Canada in Global Energy,” Dr Birol emphasised the key role that Canada plays in global oil and gas markets, while at the same time welcoming the approach that Canada has taken to mapping out a sustainable energy future through its Generation Energy Initiative.

“The five elements on which Generation Energy is centered provide a framework from which to drive the energy transition,” said Dr Birol, “and importantly, Canada is well situated to provide global leadership in all these areas based on action already underway or planned.”

Dr Birol also met with the Executive Committee of the Canadian Nuclear Association, followed directly by a keynote presentation to Association membership and a high-level panel discussion. Dr Birol emphasized the role that nuclear power can play in meeting energy security and sustainability challenges, but highlighted that significant policy action will need to be taken to ensure that the contribution of nuclear power continues to remain at current levels in mature markets.