Energy ministers from the Group of 20 nations met in Goa, India, on July 22, 2023, in an effort to accelerate the transition to clean, affordable and inclusive energy systems.
The gathering was held under India's G20 Presidency, with the theme One Earth, One Family, One Future.
During the meeting, ministers emphasized the need for technology sharing and for low-cost financing, especially for developing countries, which they said would be crucial for a just transition to sustainable energy. Globally, 675 million people are without electricity, and 2.3 billion people rely on harmful cooking fuels.
The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources will depend on critical minerals, such as copper, lithium, nickel and cobalt. These are essential components in many of today’s rapidly growing clean energy technologies, from wind turbines to electric vehicles. The consumption of these minerals could increase six-fold by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency.
The G20 ministers highlighted the need to maintain responsible and sustainable supply chains for those minerals, along with a range of other materials and technologies. They said it was vital that those supply chains benefit all, including those in the developing world.
Through an initiative launched by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, the UN Working Group on Extractive Industries will support just transitions in low-carbon technologies by focusing on critical energy transition minerals. The working group will support developing countries as they harness these minerals in a way that supports long-term economic development, while building trust, reliability, resilience and benefit-sharing amongst producer and consumer countries.
“I am pleased that critical energy transition minerals are finally being given the attention they deserve. A just energy transition should also offer an opportunity for a just mineral transition,” said Ligia Noronha, UN Assistant Secretary-General, and Head of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) New York Office.
Of the G20 discussions, she added: “Another satisfying moment was listening to ministers as they stressed the need for integrated approaches that focus on responsible consumption and production through renewable energy, circularity and efficiency to ensure a just, sustainable and equitable energy transition,” she added.
The G20 outcome document called for an accelerated implementation of various energy efficiency measures, such as the adoption of super-efficient appliances and optimizing demand for cooling.
The world is facing a mounting threat from heatwaves, which are increasing in frequency and intensity. These most affect the poorest, who do not have access to cooling. In a warming world, cooling is not a luxury but a developmental need.
“Access to sustainable cooling underpins the ability of hundreds of millions of people to realize the Sustainable Development Goals: cooling saves lives, ensures food security, supports economic growth, and improves resilience,” said Noronha.
The G20 meeting brought together over 100 delegates. The meeting also saw the participation of energy ministers of guest countries Bangladesh, Denmark, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Oman, Singapore and Spain, and representatives of international organizations, including UNEP.
