While, internationally, the most visible push in the energy-development area is to eradicate poverty through increased access, middle-income developing countries face another challenge that resonates more for them domestically and also presents even bigger energy needs: how to acquire increasing amounts of energy to fuel continuing robust economic growth and avoid the middle income trap. The energy ministers of countries that have seen major development gains, from Chile to China, from Vietnam to Peru, are tasked with building a bigger, more secure and cost-effective energy system to support continued economic expansion — often following a period of successful poverty eradication and overall growth that can present its own set of challenges for governments as they seek to find sources of future economic advancement. The Energy for Development research initiative at the Center on Global Energy Policy will host a panel that brings together former energy ministers to provide their insights into this challenge of energy for growth in the middle-income country context. The panel will comprise Ricardo Raineri, former Minister of Energy of Chile, and Pedro Sanchez, former Minister of Energy of Peru. The event will be moderated by Adjunct Senior Research Scholar Philippe Benoit, who leads CGEP’s energy for development work program. — Guests unable to attend in person can view a livestream of the event. This event is open to press. Media should register for this event. Media inquiries or requests for interviews should be directed to Artealia Gilliard ([email protected]) or Genna Morton ([email protected]). Please note: RSVP to this event does not guarantee entry. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached for both the public and press. Flash photography and video recording are prohibited. For more information contact: [email protected].
