The 2013 WEC in Daegu will run 63 sessions covering energy issues under a daily theme for the next four days from today. This year marks an appropriate time to assess thoroughly the global energy situation. The congress will be the first major multi-energy gathering since the launch of the Sustainable Energy For All initiative by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last year.

A keynote speech from Khalid A. Al-Falih, CEO of Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest crude oil exporter, will open the first day’s sessions. Under the theme “Vision and Scenarios for the Future,” the delegates and participants will discuss what type of future the world wants to achieve, including how to turn visions and scenarios into reality.

The second day’s sessions will be focused on business opportunities in an era of energy transition. Participants will get an insight into how to finance future energy needs and how to cooperate to develop clean energy beyond country borders.

The energy “trilemma,” the three most critical energy challenges facing the world today ― energy security, environmental preservation and social equality ― will be highlighted on the third day. Policymakers and leaders from international organizations will exchange opinions on how to balance the conflicting demands of the three complex and interrelated forces.

The last day, which will start with a videotaped speech from U.N. chief Ban, will examine the broad theme of “Securing a Sustainable Energy Future,” which is meant to wrap up the previous discussions on how to deal with energy challenges and possible solutions.

The congress’ extensive program will also cover hot topics related to each energy source. There will be a session to discuss whether the nuclear renaissance is finished or will return. Two years after the Fukushima accident, Japan’s TEPCO president Naomi Hirose will look back on the accident and present new safety steps for nuclear energy at the congress.

The session on the resurgence of natural gas is expected to be especially popular. The session will highlight the latest updates on the rapid development of shale gas, in particular in the U.S., and the impact of shale gas on investment in other energy sectors.

A session dealing with renewables will ask whether renewables can secure price competitiveness, when the cost of natural gas is falling, affected by shale gas-based supply expansion.

The congress also will discuss the future of oil, now facing challenges due to resurgent natural gas and other emerging green energy solutions.

By Seo Jee-yeon (jyseo@heraldcorp.com)