The World Energy Congress was kicked off in Rome of Italy, aiming to debate on the sustainable development and the prospects of the energy industry.

The conference, organized by the World Energy Council (WEC) every three years, lasts till Nov. 15. It is the first time for Italy to host the congress.

The ever-growing oil price, soaring recently close to the benchmark of US$100 per barrel, in the international market has sent an alarming warning to the international economy, which led to widespread debate on energy.

Under the theme of "The Energy Future in an Interdependent World," the Rome conference attracted a lot of ministers, scholars and bosses from international energy businesses, including European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Pascal Lamy, Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

Apart from exchanging views on the future of the energy industry, a major exhibition on energy technology and equipment was being held in parallel with the congress.

(Xinhua News Agency November 12, 2007)