In their ministerial meeting on 27-28 September 2020, the G20 Energy Ministers 
have agreed on a communiqué where they endorsed the Circular Carbon Economy 
Platform as a tool to manage emissions and foster access to energy. G20 Energy 
Ministers have acknowledged the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) approach as a 
holistic, integrated, inclusive, and pragmatic approach to managing emissions 
that aims to provide new pathways towards economic growth.

Ministers stated that, "We acknowledge that the CCE approach is a holistic, 
integrated, inclusive, and pragmatic approach to managing emissions that can be 
applied reflecting country's priorities and circumstances. By encompassing the 
broad range of pathways and options available it takes into account different 
national circumstances, while striving to meet our shared global 
aspirations…taking into account national and regional contexts, we will 
endeavor to explore various opportunities, including, the CCE Platform and 
existing G20 programs and initiatives, to advance transitions towards 
affordable and reliable energy for all."

"Building upon previous comments made by the G20 Energy Ministers in past 
Presidencies, we endorse the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) Platform and its 
'4Rs' framework (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Remove) while acknowledging and 
recognizing the key importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions," declared 
the G20 Energy Ministers after their second meeting this year. Their first 
meeting was held exceptionally on 10 April 2020 as a response to the pandemic 
impact on the energy sector.

The CCE approach is built on the '4Rs': Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Remove to 
advance stable and secure energy markets and energy access for all while 
holistically managing emissions and advance cleaner and more sustainable 
future. Moreover, reduction can be achieved by encouraging technological 
innovations like renewables, efficiency and nuclear. "Reuse" refers to 
converting emissions into value added materials to industries by utilizing and 
advancing Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), and Emissions to Value (E2V). 
"Recycle" means relying natural processes and decomposition, including the use 
of energy carries like hydrogen, methanol and ammonia representing the natural 
cycle and recycling. Lastly, "Remove" revolves around implementing natural and 
geological Carbon Capture and Storage, Direct Air Capture, and natural based 
solutions to remove emissions from industries and the atmosphere.

The G20 presented the CCE Platform that includes the CCE Approach, Guide, and 
the Accelerator. The CCE Guide provides a toolkit of opportunities recommended 
options to be utilized by G20 members and beyond, each according to their 
different national circumstances, needs, and priorities. King Abdullah 
Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) has led the CCE Guide efforts 
to address these challenges. CCE adoption can also be found in the private 
sector. For example, Saudi Aramco, the world largest Energy company, states on 
their website: "We are adopting and implementing energy efficient technologies 
and practices… energy efficiency is a key component in our strategy to increase 
the sustainability of our operations. Championing and practicing energy 
efficiency help us reduce emissions, improve the operational performance of our 
plants and facilities, and promote environmentally responsible communities."

The CCE approach can help address crucial issues facing the world in achieving 
universal access to energy. It is in this spirit that the G20 is working to 
ensure energy access to all, especially vulnerable groups. Also, the G20 
continue to support institutions with frameworks to employ the private sector 
and enable affordable reliable energy access. G20 members are to apply these 
systems taking into account system efficiency and national circumstances, 
including its specific resources endowment and its political, economic, 
environmental, social, and risk-informed development contexts.

Further information about the G20, including the Presidency Agenda and full 
program of events, can be found at www.g20.org.

Source: Saudi G20 Presidency