EGRC - Sustainable Energy

EGRC

What does the EGRC do?

The Expert Group on Resource Classification (formerly known as the Ad Hoc Group of Experts on Harmonization of Fossil Energy and Mineral Resources Terminology) is responsible for the promotion and further development of the United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources 2009 (UNFC-2009).

Meetings

The Expert Group meets once a year at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, normally in April/May. The next meeting (EGRC, Fourth Session) will be held in Geneva, 24-26 April 2013. A UNFC Workshop will be held immediately before in Geneva on 23 April 2013. All meetings held in Geneva are conducted in English, French and Russian.

The Committee on Sustainable Energy, as per its decision in November 2009 (ECE/ENERGY/80, para. 21(d)), has requested that the Expert Group continue its work for a period of five years starting in 2010 and report its achievements and plans yearly.

Bureau

The Bureau comprises a Chair and a number of Vice Chairs such that the Bureau is representative of the stakeholders in the EGRC. The Bureau is responsible for managing and progressing the work of the Group between meetings.

Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference of the Expert Group are available here.

ECOSOC Decision 2004/233

United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Resources“At its 42nd plenary meeting, on 16 July 2004, the Economic and Social Council, recalling its decision 1997/226 of 18 July 1997, welcomed the endorsement by the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Resources and decides to invite the Member States of the United Nations, international organizations and regional commissions to consider taking appropriate measures for ensuring worldwide application of the Framework Classification. The Council notes that this new classification for fossil energy and mineral resources, which now includes energy commodities (for example, natural gas, oil and uranium), is an extension of the earlier framework developed for solid fuels and mineral commodities, on which the Council took similar action in 1997 upon endorsement and recommendation by the Economic Commission for Europe.”

In line with ECOSOC Decision 2004/233, in order facilitate worldwide application of the United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Resources, the Expert Group on Resource Classification developed a simplified, generic and revised version of the Classification. The United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources 2009 (UNFC-2009) was approved by the Committee on Sustainable Energy of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe at its Eighteenth Session in November 2009 (decision ECE/ENERGY/80 para 21(g)).

Programme of Work 2012-13

The Programme of Work for the Expert Group for 2012-2013 is available to download here.

Specifications Task Force

In April 2010, the Expert Group agreed that the successor Specifications Task Force (established by and reporting to the Bureau) should consider all issues raised by stakeholders that are not currently addressed fully in the CRIRSCO Template and/or the SPE-PRMS and as contained in the final version of the Report of the original Specifications Task Force. The EGRC also requested that each issue be carefully considered in turn and either: (a) a generic UNFC specification is developed to address the issue, for the eventual approval of the Expert Group, but subject to a public comment period; (b) an explanation is provided to the Expert Group to demonstrate that the issue is, or will be, adequately addressed in both the Template and SPE-PRMS based on discussions with CRIRSCO and SPE OGRC; or, (c) an explanation is provided to the Expert Group to justify why a specification is not considered necessary and/or appropriate for that issue. Further requested that this work be completed prior to the second session of the Expert Group.For further information on the Task Force, its Mandate and Membership, visit “Specifications for UNFC-2009”

Communications Sub-Committee

In April 2010, the Expert Group agreed to establish a Communications Sub-Committee to develop and implement a communications and education strategy to ensure that opportunities to promote UNFC-2009 globally and to deliver a consistent message are maximized, including through conferences, workshops, articles and technical papers.