In a discussion with CNBC, Angela Wilkinson, CEO of the World Energy Council, emphasised that the energy transition debate needs to focus on the real challenge—emissions, not oil and gas. With energy security, decarbonisation, and geopolitical tensions dominating global headlines, Wilkinson calls for a more balanced and cooperative approach that acknowledges the complexities of today’s energy landscape.
Leadership in Global Energy Policy: The Role of the U.S.
As the world’s largest economy, the U.S. holds a critical position in shaping global energy policy. According to Wilkinson, U.S. leadership should extend beyond domestic borders to prioritize global interests. While the Biden administration has introduced incentives aimed at unlocking capital for energy initiatives, Wilkinson highlights the contrasting approaches between the U.S. and Europe. While the U.S. offers financial carrots, Europe’s regulatory framework relies more on sticks. Both strategies, however, demonstrate that there’s no universal solution.
The opportunity is to learn from each other and work together, Wilkinson said, emphasizing the need for countries to cooperate despite their differences. Leadership, in her view, means acknowledging that no single nation can solve the energy crisis alone.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Transition: A Model of Transformation
Turning the spotlight to the Middle East, Wilkinson praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in spearheading energy transformation, driven by initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative and the circular carbon economy. These policies aim to achieve deep decarbonization across the entire economy, not just reducing emissions but also fostering long-term sustainability.
The theme of the 2026 World Energy Congress—Inspiring Transformation, Delivering Transitions—perfectly captures what Saudi Arabia is doing, Wilkinson said. With a youthful population and growing demand for sustainable solutions, the Kingdom is positioned to play a key role in global energy transitions. However, she also acknowledged the region’s volatility, which complicates supply security and renewable energy progress.
Rethinking the Energy Debate: Emissions vs. Oil & Gas
A major point Wilkinson stressed was the need to change the narrative around oil and gas. Rather than demonizing the industry itself, she argues that the focus should be on reducing emissions. Let’s point at the real problem—emissions, not the oil and gas, she asserted. The CEO explained that oil and gas will remain part of the energy mix for decades, making it essential to work towards decarbonizing their use and implementing technologies like carbon capture and storage.
Her comments highlight the challenges of managing energy transitions in an uncertain, volatile market. Countries like Saudi Arabia are working to stabilize oil prices through OPEC, but global cooperation is needed to pull the right levers, whether through mitigation, adaptation, or new energy technologies.
The Path Ahead: Adaptation and Mitigation
Wilkinson concluded with a reminder that energy systems must adapt and evolve. While the world needs to develop new solutions, it also has to maintain and repurpose existing infrastructure. “If we keep saying zero, there’s no conversation to have,” she warned, adding that open dialogue is necessary for any meaningful progress to be made.
By demonizing emissions instead of oil and gas, Wilkinson advocates for a more pragmatic, collaborative approach to energy transitions—one that acknowledges the need for adaptation and innovation in a world that still depends on traditional energy sources.
About the World Energy Council
The World Energy Council is a global forum based in London, dedicated to thought leadership and tangible engagement in energy issues. Its mission is to promote the sustainable supply and use of energy for the benefit of all. The Council was founded in the 1920s, inspired by Daniel Nicol Dunlop, who aimed to gather experts worldwide to discuss energy challenges. The first World Power Conference took place in 1924, bringing together 1,700 experts from 40 countries. This successful meeting led to the establishment of the World Power Conference, which later evolved into the World Energy Conference in 1968 and ultimately became the World Energy Council in 1989.
The Council is recognized as the principal impartial network of leaders and practitioners advocating for an affordable, stable, and environmentally sensitive energy system.
About Angela Wilkinson
Angela Wilkinson serves as the sixth Secretary General of the World Energy Council since its founding in 1923. She is renowned as a global expert in energy futures and has over 30 years of experience leading transformation initiatives across economic, energy, climate, and sustainable development challenges.
Before becoming Secretary General and CEO in 2019, Angela worked to create a practical toolkit for energy transition leaders and directed a strategic insights programme at the Council. Her previous roles include leading strategic foresight at the OECD in Paris and holding senior positions at Royal Dutch Shell and British Gas plc.
Angela is a Fellow of the U.S. Government Accountability Office Centre for Strategic Foresight, an International Advisory Board Member at the Russian Higher School of Economics, and a Fellow of the World Academy of Arts and Science. She has authored four books and numerous articles and holds a PhD in Physics.