MSB White Paper

The IEC launched the White paper, Coping with the Energy Challenge, at the World Energy Congress in Montreal, Canada, in September.

 

The White paper was the first report from the IEC that outlines how the energy chain needs to be altered to achieve ambitious carbon emission reduction targets of 20% by 2020. In light of its findings and with the demand for electricity expected to triple by 2050, it also identified areas offering the highest potential for short and medium-term energy efficiency results and their underlying standardization needs.

 

The white paper focused on the potential for “smart electrification” to help meet the challenge of a growing global population, diminishing natural energy supplies and the need to reduce carbon emission levels. Through its assessment of the entire energy chain – from generation to distribution, consumption and storage – the IEC used a projection model to identify future standardization needs over the next 20 years.

 

Section 8 of the White paper makes recommendations for the evolution of the IEC’s fundamental orientation in the coming decades.

 

In support of the White Paper, a Smart Energy Zone was set up on the IEC website. The White Paper, in English, and the Summary and Recommendations, in 10 languages, are available to download on the IEC website.

 

SMB Task Force

 

The SMB (Standardization Management Board) set up a TF (Task Force) to review the MSB recommendations listed in section 8 of the White paper. The TF developed 17 recommendations, nine of which were approved by the SMB in Seattle, USA, during the IEC General Meeting. The remaining eight recommendations will be discussed at the next SMB meeting in February 2011.

 

Follow-up

 

All TC (Technical Committee) and SC (Subcommittee) Officers received a letter from the General Secretary, in which he invited them to use the White Paper as guidance in the work of their respective committees.

 

All NCs (National Committees) are encouraged to make best use of the White Paper. They are requested to add this topic to their national board meeting agendas to support the IEC in its work on the global energy challenge.