Tim Gould

Tim Gould was appointed the Agency's Chief Energy Economist in 2021. As Chief Energy Economist, he provides strategic advice on energy economics across a wide range of IEA activities and analysis. Mr Gould is also Head of the Office of the Chief Energy Economist, in which capacity he co-leads the World Energy Outlook, the IEA's flagship publication series, and oversees the Agency's work on investment and finance, including the World Energy Investment report.Mr Gould joined the IEA in 2008, initially as a specialist on Russian and Caspian energy, and in recent years has designed and directed a wide range of IEA analytical outputs, while continuing to contribute also as an author. Prior to joining the IEA, Mr Gould worked on European and Eurasian energy issues in Brussels and has ten years of experience in Eastern Europe, primarily in Ukraine. He graduated from Oxford University and has a post-graduate diploma from the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University.

Session Overview

Wednesday, 5 November

10:40

Emerging Economies ICC Hall B 10:40 - 11:20

How can oil-producing emerging economies be incentivised to diversify in a low-carbon world?

Oil price volatility creates an urgent diversification imperative for emerging economies. These nations must reduce revenue concentration, attract sustainable investment, and align with the global shift toward multilateral climate and trade frameworks. While multilateral initiatives like the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) aim to support this shift, their effectiveness in oil-exporting economies remains uncertain, especially for countries where energy revenues underpin national budgets. Rather than abandoning their energy base, these economies must channel existing revenues into future-facing sectors and resilient infrastructure. Meaningful diversification requires global frameworks that enable low-carbon industrial growth while providing governments sufficient policy space to build economic resilience. Success hinges on regional trade integration, green industrial strategy, and financial tools that reflect national realities. With the right mix of incentives, finance, and autonomy, these economies can diversify more decisively and remain competitive in a changing energy system.

Attendee insights:

Explore how oil-exporting emerging economies can be incentivised to diversify through multilateral trade frameworks, unlocking investment and policy flexibility tailored to their economic needs and energy realities.