New chairman at World Coal Association

The World Coal Association (WCA) has announced the appointment of Harry Kenyon-Slaney, Chief Executive of Rio Tinto Energy as its new Chairman.

Kenyon-Slaney replaced outgoing Chair Dr Zhang Xiwu, Chairman of the Shenhua Group, with effect from 28 May 2014, following the WCA annual general meeting in Canberra, Australia.

On his appointment, Kenyon-Slaney commented: “I’m honoured to have been appointed and look forward to engaging robustly in the debate about how the world’s growing energy needs will be met, whilst also addressing the need to tackle the very real issue of climate change. It is a complex dilemma with no easy solutions.”

“Undoubtedly the role of coal, as a cheap and plentiful source of fuel, will be critical in meeting the world’s future energy demands,” Kenyon-Slaney continued. “We as an industry have an interest in ensuring that coal can be extracted and consumed in a way that minimises any environmental impact. I believe we need to see ongoing investment in finding technical solutions to this issue, recognising the significant role fossil fuels will continue to play in the global energy mix. I see a key role for the WCA in encouraging innovative solutions, and raising the efficiency of power stations and advancing carbon capture and storage are two fronts on which we expect to see real progress”

Kenyon-Saney thanked the outgoing Dr Zhang for his contribution to the WCA, which Kenyon-Slaney said had “expanded its capability and reach by establishing the Strategic Research Institute and launching Cornerstone, the official journal of the global coal industry.”

Milton Catelin, Chief Executive of the WCA, also paid tribute to the outgoing Chairman: “Dr Zhang has been instrumental in engaging with the coal industry in China to strengthen WCA’s international reach and China’s commitment to coal on the global stage.”

“It is an exciting time for coal, with International Energy Agency forecasts predicting global coal demand is likely to increase by 50% by 2035. There are, however, global challenges we face – energy access, energy security, affordability of energy and reducing emissions, all require us to work together. The coal industry needs to be united, constructive and engaged in major energy policy discussions. I look forward to working with Kenyon-Slaney on these issues and strengthening the work of the WCA on the global stage,” Catelin concluded.

Adapted from press release by Sam Dodson

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/02062014/wca_appoints_new_chairman_923/