Baker Institute to host discussion of IEA’s ‘World Energy Outlook’ Nov. 24

BY FRANZ BROTZEN
Rice News staff

This year’s World Energy Outlook report will be presented Nov. 24 at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy by Richard H. Jones, deputy executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA).

	RICHARD JONES

Produced by the IEA, this annual report analyzes global trends in energy production and consumption.

Jones will provide a comprehensive update of energy demand and supply projections and their implications for energy security and the environment. The 2009 analysis from the IEA takes into account the dramatic economic downturn that has now hit all parts of the world, as well as revised expectations about energy prices, which have ridden a veritable roller coaster over the past year.

As part of the presentation, Jones will outline the results of an in-depth assessment of the prospects for global gas markets, including the emergence of shale gas as an abundant and potentially low-cost source of supply in North America. He will also present a post-2012 scenario, which the IEA prepared as input to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations.

For more information the event, which is organized by the Baker Institute’s Energy Forum, go to http://www.rice.edu/energy/events/index.html.

Jones became deputy executive director of the International Energy Agency in 2008. A former U.S. diplomat, Jones served as the U.S. ambassador to four countries: Israel (2005-2008), Kuwait (2001-2004), Kazakhstan (1998-2001) and Lebanon (1996-1998). He also acted as the U.S. secretary of state’s senior adviser and co-coordinator for Iraq policy from February to August 2005.

Jones has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with distinction from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, Calif., and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in business/statistics from the University of Wisconsin.

The event will begin at 4 p.m. in Baker Hall’s Doré Commons.

Rice faculty, staff and students who want to attend must RSVP by e-mail (bipprsvp@rice.edu), by fax (713-348-5993) or on the Web at http://www.bakerinstitute.org/events/world-energy-outlook-2009.