G20 and the reform of global energy governance

Abstract

Due to institutional fragmentation and conflicts among various actors, a systematic reform to improve the effectiveness of the global energy governance system has become increasingly urgent. Currently, the Group of Twenty (G20), which consists of the world’s major economies and constitutes 60 percent of global energy trade, is in a good position to remold the global framework for energy governance. The past G20 summit meetings have witnessed more attention and efforts from member-state leaders to address problems associated with global energy. However, most of the discussion has been focused on technical issues rather than a comprehensive review of the whole governance system. In the future, the G20 should take proactive measures to enhance its leadership role and policy innovation in the reform of global energy governance, in order to spur green development of the world. As the largest developing nation, China should tap into the G20 platform to advance the transformation of its domestic and international energy systems.