Change of leadership at the World Coal Association

At the World Coal Association’s (WCA) Annual General Meeting, new leadership for the WCA was confirmed. The new Chief Executive is Benjamin Sporton and the new Chairman is Mick Buffier.

Sporton stated: “I am delighted to have been appointed the new Chief Executive. The WCA has a hugely important role to play in raising awareness of the importance of coal in the global energy mix and the significant potential of high-efficiency low-emissions (HELE) coal technologies and carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) in reducing global CO₂ emissions.”

Benjamin has been Deputy CEO at the WCA since 2012 and Acting CEO since the end of 2014. Speaking on his appointment, Buffier said: “This is an exciting time for the WCA. I am confident that with our new leadership we are well placed to play our role in meeting the global challenges facing the energy sector and making a positive contribution to global efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions.”

“For many countries, the reality is that the only way they can meet their growing energy needs is through affordable, readily available coal. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electricity from coal is expected to grow by around 33% to 2040. Given this growth, it is essential that there is greater investment in cleaner coal technologies to widen their deployment – this includes HELE coal technologies and CCUS.”

The new leadership signals key changes at the WCA, as it adjusts itself to be fully prepared to engage on the global challenges that immerse in the coal industry.

Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/04062015/change-of-leadership-at-the-world-coal-association-2363/