G20 energy talks in Bali ended on Friday with the world’s leading economies pledged to accelerate clean energy transitions, but there was no binding agreement as officials struggle to overcome disagreement over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Energy prices have skyrocketed since Moscow launched its military offensive, and many Western countries are scrambling to find alternative sources to sever ties with Russia.
Energy upheaval has put pressure on global efforts to tackle climate change.
Host Indonesia presented a plan at the talks outlining principles to accelerate a “fair” transition to clean energy and was backed by G20 countries.
The non-binding “Bali Compact”, which lists principles for achieving net zero emissions, has been agreed by all members, said Indonesian Energy Minister Arifin Tasrif.
Details were not released, but the minister said the plan aims to strengthen national energy planning and implementation to improve energy security and efficiency and boost investment and financing.
“G20 energy ministers have sent a strong signal to the market that policymakers are taking action to strengthen the environment conducive to investment,” Tasrif told an online news conference on Friday.
But officials were unable to reach consensus on a joint communiqué at the one-day meeting due to “differings between countries,” Tasrif said, without elaborating.
Several nations, including Britain and France, condemned the invasion of Ukraine, saying it had destabilized energy supplies.
Russia’s presence at the forum meant that no consensus could be reached on a communiqué, a source close to the meeting told AFP.
The “current energy crisis shows the urgency to accelerate the energy transition,” the source added.
Representatives from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Germany, India, South Africa and the European Union were also present, according to an AFP list.
The energy talks follow G20 environment talks in Bali on Wednesday, which also ended without a joint communique, reflecting disagreements among member countries over tackling climate change.
UK climate minister Alok Sharma said governments should “reconsider and step up” their commitments to achieve net-zero emissions.
“There must be no backsliding on commitments,” he tweeted on Wednesday.
This week’s talks are a prelude to a November summit of leaders at which Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will attend despite Moscow’s isolation.
