Shell convenes Asia's leading minds to address global energy-water-food nexus challenge

Leading the roster of speakers, were Hon. Carlos Jericho Petilla, Secretary, Philippine Department of Energy, Manila; Vinod Thomas, Director General of Independent Evaluation from the Asian Development Bank; Mr. Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, Chief Executive Officer of World Wildlife Fund Philippines and Brahma Chellaney, Professor of Strategic Studies, India Centre for Policy Research, who discussed the implications of the challenges facing the world’s vital resources, as well as potential solutions.

Global energy, water, and food demand is expected to raise 40-50% by 2030 due to increased population growth and needs, according to the United Nations and Shell Scenarios. This will place tremendous stress on these vital resources as energy is used to move and treat water; water is required to produce energy; and both energy and water are required in the production of food.

The aim of the forum was to inspire new ideas and partnerships to address the complex issues posed by the energy-water-food nexus – in the Philippines, as well as across Asia. Discussions highlighted that while this is “Asia’s time”, the region must seek to innovate new solutions, make choices and take action in addressing these complex challenges to sustain its growth trajectory. In addition, collaboration will be key as these shared risks will not be addressed by one organisation or individual, but by an inclusive and collective framework for the long-term.

“Our Shell Scenarios Team projects that energy demands will likely double by 2060 in Asia alone. That’s a massive increase - and a powerful argument for urgent, concerted action in the region,” said Simon Henry, Chief Financial Officer, Royal Dutch Shell, speaking at Powering Progress Together Forum. “The government, business and civil society need to embrace a new model of cross-sector, public-private, transnational partnership.”

Before the forum, Shell commissioned a series of Future Energy surveys in nine Asian countries. The surveys showed that eight in 10 Asian respondents ranked future energy needs as highly important, alongside issues like public education and cost of living. Respondents unanimously agreed that collaboration between government, the general public and industry, as well as innovation and incentives for cleaner energy, are the most important factors in shaping future energy needs. The role of government is considered particularly important in most countries while the public is cited as most important for Thailand.

The forum was held against the backdrop of Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2014 in Manila, Philippines. Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2014 is held in partnership with the Philippine Government, especially the Department of Tourism, Department of Energy and the City of Manila. Its Global Partners include HP (Official Global Information Technology (IT) Partner), Michelin (Official Global Paddock Partner and Tyre Supplier), The Linde Group (Official Global Paddock Partner) and Southwest Research Institute (Official Global Paddock Partner). Local private sector partners are Unilever Philippines, Solane, Coca-Cola, Globe, Lego and Hyundai.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Join the conversation on the Energy -Water -Food Nexus at #ShellPoweringProgress, and learn more about the Shell Future Energy survey.

About Shell Eco-marathon

Shell Eco-marathon began in 1939 at a Shell research laboratory in the United States as a friendly wager between scientists to see who could get the most miles per gallon from their vehicle. The winner of that contest barely achieved 50 mpg (21 km/l), and from these humble origins, a more organized competition evolved. In 1985 in France, Shell Eco-marathon as we know it today was born. In April 2007, Shell Eco-marathon Americas event was launched in the United States, and in 2010, the inaugural Shell Eco-marathon Asia was held in Malaysia.

Malaysia hosted Shell Eco-Marathon Asia until 2013. In 2014, the event is being held in Manila, Philippines, which will continue to host the event until 2016. For more information on all 2014 Shell Eco-marathon events across the globe, including official rules, instructions for registration and details on prizes, please visit the Shell Eco-marathon website at www.shell.com/ecomarathon.