Faster, fairer, and deeper decarbonisation

Convening leadership for just energy transitions

The global imperative to decarbonise energy systems has never been clearer. It must also confront a challenge that remains largely overlooked: decarbonising consumption - the patterns of demand that drive emissions across economies, industries and lifestyles. Yet as the world races to meet climate targets, the path forward must be more than rapid and ambitious. There’s also a need to be fundamentally fair and inclusive to ensure equity and that benefits are shared.

Only World Energy Congress unites the key players from across the whole value chain for a systems-wide approach. Through the topic of ‘Faster, fairer, and deeper decarbonisation’ - a central pillar of the World Energy Congress 2026 programme - we explore the multiple systems and essential collaborations that must come together to deliver on decarbonisation goals.

We will dive into the diverse aspirations and actions that will transform systems, industrial processes and societal behaviours, moving beyond net-zero toward a more systemic and inclusive understanding of the different paces, scales, and approaches to energy transitions.

A coordinated effort across multiple fronts and multiple stakeholders

These critical leadership-led dialogues will focus on many of the key areas where innovation, investment, and collaboration can accelerate progress toward a net-zero future:

Carbon management and mitigation

Effective carbon management is essential for reducing emissions from existing energy systems and offsetting those that are hardest to eliminate. This includes a suite of solutions such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), direct air capture, and nature-based approaches like reforestation and soil carbon sequestration. These technologies are particularly important for sectors where emissions are difficult to abate, and for balancing residual emissions in the journey to net zero.

Transforming hard-to-abate industries

Industries such as cement, steel, chemicals, shipping and aviation are among the most challenging to decarbonise due to their reliance on high-temperature processes and fossil fuels. Decarbonising these sectors is critical, as they collectively account for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions. Innovative solutions are available and will be explored, including the use of hydrogen, electrification, alternative materials, and advanced CCUS.

Scaling renewables

The rapid deployment of renewable energy sources - such as solar, wind and geothermal - is at the heart of global decarbonisation strategies. And while scaling up renewables reduces reliance on fossil fuels and expands access to affordable, clean power, it also raises important questions about material demands, recycling capabilities, land use, and systems integration that must be addressed proactively to ensure long-term sustainability.

The role of nuclear energy

While still nascent in some countries, nuclear energy can provide a reliable, low-carbon source of baseload power that complements the variable output of renewables. However, up-front costs can be high. Nuclear can play a vital role in supporting grid stability, enabling deep decarbonisation, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels - especially in countries with high energy demand or limited renewable resources.  Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) especially can offer flexible and scalable nuclear options that are increasingly relevant for digital infrastructure such as data centres and for energy-scarce regions.

Advancing energy efficiency

Improving energy efficiency across the build environment, industry, and transportation is often the fastest and most cost-effective way to cut emissions. Efficiency measures reduce energy demand, lower costs, and deliver immediate benefits for consumers and businesses alike. From advanced building standards to smart grids and efficient appliances, energy efficiency must be embedded in every stage of the energy value chain.

Why fairness matters in decarbonisation

Decarbonisation is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Countries and communities differ widely in their starting points, resources, and vulnerabilities. For emerging and developing economies many energy transitions are focused on securing more and better energy, presenting both challenges and opportunities: they can address deficits in energy access, reduce poverty, and drive sustainable development, but only if policies and plans are tailored to local realities.

Fairness in decarbonisation means:

• Ensuring affordable and quality energy access for all, moving beyond minimum thresholds of access and working towards energy abundance. While especially true for those who have historically lacked it, access and affordability issues can be seen in all world regions - the World Energy Trilemma Index has measured a 23% decline in household electricity affordability since 2000, including a 20% drop in G20 countries.
• Creating decent jobs and planning for workforce transitions so that no communities get left behind. As the 2025 World Energy Issues Monitor confirmed, across all global regions and sectors, energy transitions demand more than technology - they require people with the right skills, in the right places, and inclusive pathways to decent work.
• Engaging and empowering all voices – from women to youth to indigenous communities - so that energy systems reflect the needs and aspirations of all. Youth especially feel they’re being left out of the process, with more than 80% of youth believing they are not adequately included in decision making related to energy and climate policies.
• Addressing structural inequalities and North-South divides, while recognising the leadership of Global South countries in shaping their unique energy transitions - an essential component to unlocking the investment and innovation needed to meet global goals. Despite being most vulnerable to climate impacts, developing countries receive less than 2% of global climate finance. This imbalance isn’t just unfair — it’s a major barrier to scaling resilient, future-ready solutions where they matter most.

The role of leadership dialogues

Leadership dialogues are essential to navigating the complexities of decarbonisation and circularity with justice. While a strong consensus has been shown on the need for ambitious action, these must be matched by practical mechanisms that empower diverse communities and economies. Collaborative frameworks — grounded in trust, mutual learning, and shared benefit — are proving invaluable.

World Energy Congress 2026 offers a unique platform to convene these leadership dialogues that can drive faster, fairer, and deeper decarbonisation, and build a better energy future for us all.