The Australian Government is partnering with the International Energy Agency (IEA) for an energy security review following the September 2016 blackout in South Australia.
Agreement between the Australian Government and the IEA was reached following a meeting between Australia’s Minister for the Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg, and the IEA’s Executive Director, Dr Fatih Birol, in Paris.
Mr Frydenberg said having the IEA’s expert input into the review, headed by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, would ensure Australia was a global leader in maintaining energy security while transitioning to a lower emissions future.
“I’m pleased the Finkel Review will be able to tap into the knowledge and experience of the IEA to ensure we are provided with the best possible options in terms of improving our energy security,” Mr Frydenberg said.
“Given many countries around the world are faced with energy security challenges presented from the higher uptake of renewables, the IEA has established a dedicated unit to bring together the best minds from around the world to look at this issue.
“Energy security is non-negotiable and the Australian Government is unapologetic in making it our foremost priority.”
Dr Birol said many countries, including Australia, were undergoing a deep transformation of their energy and power systems, which was creating new electricity security challenges.
“I am extremely pleased to accept Minister Frydenberg’s request to contribute to Australia’s energy security review in the wake of the blackout in South Australia,” Dr Birol said.
“We recognise that cooperation among nations can help share best-practices and even learn from common challenges. The IEA stands ready to facilitate this exchange.”
