PR86385

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

In their ministerial meeting on 27-28 September 2020, the G20 Energy Ministers

have agreed on a communiqué where they endorsed the Circular Carbon Economy

Platform as a tool to manage emissions and foster access to energy. G20 Energy

Ministers have acknowledged the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) approach as a

holistic, integrated, inclusive, and pragmatic approach to managing emissions

that aims to provide new pathways towards economic growth.

Ministers stated that, "We acknowledge that the CCE approach is a holistic,

integrated, inclusive, and pragmatic approach to managing emissions that can be

applied reflecting country's priorities and circumstances. By encompassing the

broad range of pathways and options available it takes into account different

national circumstances, while striving to meet our shared global

aspirations…taking into account national and regional contexts, we will

endeavor to explore various opportunities, including, the CCE Platform and

existing G20 programs and initiatives, to advance transitions towards

affordable and reliable energy for all."

"Building upon previous comments made by the G20 Energy Ministers in past

Presidencies, we endorse the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) Platform and its

'4Rs' framework (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Remove) while acknowledging and

recognizing the key importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions," declared

the G20 Energy Ministers after their second meeting this year. Their first

meeting was held exceptionally on 10 April 2020 as a response to the pandemic

impact on the energy sector.

The CCE approach is built on the '4Rs': Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Remove to

advance stable and secure energy markets and energy access for all while

holistically managing emissions and advance cleaner and more sustainable

future. Moreover, reduction can be achieved by encouraging technological

innovations like renewables, efficiency and nuclear. "Reuse" refers to

converting emissions into value added materials to industries by utilizing and

advancing Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), and Emissions to Value (E2V).

"Recycle" means relying natural processes and decomposition, including the use

of energy carries like hydrogen, methanol and ammonia representing the natural

cycle and recycling. Lastly, "Remove" revolves around implementing natural and

geological Carbon Capture and Storage, Direct Air Capture, and natural based

solutions to remove emissions from industries and the atmosphere.

The G20 presented the CCE Platform that includes the CCE Approach, Guide, and

the Accelerator. The CCE Guide provides a toolkit of opportunities recommended

options to be utilized by G20 members and beyond, each according to their

different national circumstances, needs, and priorities. King Abdullah

Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) has led the CCE Guide efforts

to address these challenges. CCE adoption can also be found in the private

sector. For example, Saudi Aramco, the world largest Energy company, states on

their website: "We are adopting and implementing energy efficient technologies

and practices… energy efficiency is a key component in our strategy to increase

the sustainability of our operations. Championing and practicing energy

efficiency help us reduce emissions, improve the operational performance of our

plants and facilities, and promote environmentally responsible communities."

The CCE approach can help address crucial issues facing the world in achieving

universal access to energy. It is in this spirit that the G20 is working to

ensure energy access to all, especially vulnerable groups. Also, the G20

continue to support institutions with frameworks to employ the private sector

and enable affordable reliable energy access. G20 members are to apply these

systems taking into account system efficiency and national circumstances,

including its specific resources endowment and its political, economic,

environmental, social, and risk-informed development contexts.

Further information about the G20, including the Presidency Agenda and full

program of events, can be found at www.g20.org.

Source: Saudi G20 Presidency