Vienna:Haitham Al-Ghais, Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has emphasized the importance of considering all energy sources in addressing future global energy demands. He argues against focusing solely on electricity, advocating instead for an 'Age of all Energies' that recognizes the significance of each energy source to the others.

According to Anadolu Agency, Al-Ghais points out several blind spots in the current discourse on electrification. He notes that the 'electrification of everything' involves significant hardware requirements, leading to increased production and transportation needs, which are largely supported by petroleum-powered logistics. Additionally, he highlights the proliferation of cables and chargers as electrification progresses, necessitating the use of petroleum-derived plastics.

Moreover, Al-Ghais addresses the overlooked petrochemical demands of electrification technologies. He cites the example of electric vehicles (EVs), which require a substantial amount of plastic components, further increasing the demand for petroleum products. He also notes the challenges facing EV expansion, including critical mineral availability, charging infrastructure, subsidies, and market dynamics.

Furthermore, Al-Ghais underscores the role of petroleum products in the manufacturing and maintenance of electricity grids, as well as in the production of renewable technologies such as wind turbines and solar panels. He stresses that energy sources are not mutually exclusive and that all forms of energy will be necessary to meet global demand, alleviate energy poverty, and ensure energy security.

Al-Ghais concludes by supporting the COP31 Presidency and hopes that the conference will recognize the interdependence of energy sources, moving beyond categorizing energy eras based on single sources.