For several years now, OPEC has invited other oil producers to observe most of its ministerial meetings. Now the International Energy Agency (IEA) is pursuing a parallel course with non-member energy consumers.
It is part of the agency's drive for high-level involvement in international negotiations on climate change and other global issues that could dramatically affect how the world uses energy.
Ulrich Benterbusch, the newly appointed director of global energy dialogue for the IEA, was in Abu Dhabi this week and explained to The National why such outreach activities are needed.
"It is something we are doing to enable the IEA to fulfill its mandate of promoting energy security and sustainability, but on a broader scale that reflects the global reality," he said. "We see that we have a mission that goes beyond the traditional confines of energy policy seen from the consumer point of view."
The energy watchdog
as a counterweight to OPEC is generally regarded as the adviser to developed countries on energy issues. But increasingly, according to Mr Benterbusch, it is seeking a broader role that includes strengthening the capabilities of emerging nations to draft sound energy policy.
The agency's decision to seek a higher profile in international energy diplomacy has assumed more urgency in the light of mounting concerns over global warming.
"Now we have a unique chance to really reach the two degree aim with regard to mitigating climate change," said Mr Benterbusch, referring to Group of Eight industrialised nations' target of limiting global warming to a maximum of two degrees Celsius.
Last month, the IEA invited representatives of three large but not-so-rich energy consumers to its Paris headquarters to share their views with members of the agency. Those countries were China, India and Russia.
According to the official
, the talks were constructive. At any rate, they generated three high-minded joint declarations of good intentions that must have kept a substantial coterie of aides burning the midnight oil, or more likely the midnight compact fluorescent tube.
Check out the
, the
and the
.
The agency has even launched versions of its website in
and
, providing a further indication that it is serious about engaging its new partners.
Less encouraging is a recent Chinese government decision to stop publishing monthly figures on the country's oil inventories. That is at odds with Beijing's commitment to the IEA, in its joint statement, to work towards greater data transparency.
Even so, China will be one of the non-member countries the agency will invite to its forum on energy sustainability next year. India and Russia will also be on the guest list.
Might those countries one day join the IEA?
Mr Benterbusch said it was too early to tell. He did point out, however, that Russia was seeking accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and that most
eventually became
.
Russia is an interesting case, as it is the world's biggest oil and gas exporter as well as being a major energy consumer. Although it has so far rebuffed such overtures, it has been invited to join OPEC, and has attended many of the producer group's meetings as an observer.
The IEA may soon try to bolster relations with Gulf oil exporters, as the GCC emerges as an industrial and population hub with rapidly increasing domestic energy requirements. Saudi Arabia's status as a member of the Group of 20 developing nations adds weight to its role in global energy discussions, Mr Benterbusch said.
"With regard to the producer/consumer dialogue, we need to take both perspectives into account because we are on the same boat. (Oil) price volatility hurts the consumers but also hurts the producers," he added.
The IEA says its 28 member countries now account for
less than half the world's energy consumption
.
