Only two countries effectively balance energy priorities – WEC

The challenges faced by countries to develop a balanced approach to their energy policy means that only two countries out of 130 – Switzerland and Sweden – are achieving a ‘AAA’ balance score in the World Energy Council’s (WEC) Energy Trilemma Index.

The index, now in its fifth iteration, ranks countries on their energy and climate policies – with a grade assigned to their efforts on energy security, sustainability and affordability.

In this year’s index Europe leads on sustainability, due to its ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets. The WEC’s ‘negative watch list’ has increased from four to six countries, due to energy security issues in South Africa and the US. It also notes that, while the UK remains in the top ten, it has moved from ‘AAA’ to ‘AAB’, losing its ‘A’ grading for energy equity (or affordability).

The report’s findings show that the best-performing nations tend to be developed countries with higher shares of energy coming from low or zero carbon energy sources supported by well-established energy efficiency programmes. 

Joan MacNaughton, Executive Chair of the World Energy Trilemma study said: ‘Our research underlines how priorities vary from country to country – though energy security is key for all. And the report highlights a real issue for the 21st Conference of the Parties… namely translating the Intended National Determined Contributions from international objectives into national level actions for energy. The investment required is huge, and driving it to the right places will require a balanced approach if countries are to meet the three goals of the trilemma.'