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Achieving this requires overcoming several hurdles.First, while improvements in costs will inevitably reduce the amount of investment needed for wind and solar, deep reforms of electricity regulation and system operation will be necessary to effectively integrate these technologies into the power system. Second, while nuclear investments reached their highest level in over two decades in 2015, they are concentrated in one country: China. In OECD countries, planned nuclear energy investments are insufficient to maintain current generation levels given expected retirements. Low wholesale electricity prices, insufficient or non-existent carbon prices and persistent project management problems are deterring investment in both new reactors and lifetime extensions. Third, while seven CCS projects are under construction, the outlook for CCS has been clouded by the diminished appeal of enhanced oil recovery due to low oil prices. This is exacerbated by continued uncertainty about how quickly CO2 capture costs can be reduced.Over the coming decades, millions of people will move into the world’s cities, and millions more will be plugging in modern appliances and switching on lighting for the first time in their lives. This is good news. This is the goal of economic and social development. The challenge for the governments of the world will be ensuring that this progress goes hand in hand with a sustainable and affordable energy system. While entry into force of the Paris Agreement will be something to be applauded, it is just the beginning of a long and difficult – but exciting – journey. I am incredibly fortunate to have the responsibility of leading the IEA as it strives to produce the guidance and recommendations to assist its members and others through this journey and into the brighter years ahead. ■ABOUT THE AUTHORDr Fatih Birol took office as the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) on 1 September 2015, ushering in a new era for the global energy authority. Well known and respected internationally for his work in the energy field, Dr Birol joined the IEA in 1995. Most recently prior to his elevation to Executive Director, he held the positions of Chief Economist and Director of Global Energy Economics, with responsibilities that included directing the flagship World Energy Outlook publication. He is also the founder and chair of the IEA Energy Business Council, which provides a forum to enhance co-operation between decision-makers in the highest levels of government and industry. Dr Birol’s selection as IEA Executive Director marked one of the rare occasions that the head of an international organisation has been selected from within its ranks.Earlier in his career, Dr Birol served in the Secretariat of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), an experience which gives him a unique perspective on the producer-consumer relationship. He has also been a member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Group on Sustainable Energy for All and was named by Forbes magazine among the most influential people on the world’s energy scene. He is the recipient of numerous awards from governments from all parts of the world. Dr Birol received a MSc and PhD in energy economics from the Technical University of Vienna and a Doctorate honoris causa from Imperial College London. Above: Dr Fatih BirolPhoto Credit: European Commission 2016GLOBAL VOICES 041