Rotterdam, the Netherlands to host 26th World Energy Congress in December 2023

The Congress will now be held from 22-25 April 2024: read the new press release

ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS TO HOST 26TH WORLD ENERGY CONGRESS IN DECEMBER 2023, THEMED REDESIGNING ENERGY FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET”

WORLD ENERGY CONGRESS, ROTTERDAM, BROUGHT FORWARD FROM 2025

20 September 2022 – Rotterdam in The Netherlands is to host the World Energy Council’s 26th World Energy Congress from 4-7 December 2023.

Themed ‘Redesigning Energy for People and Planet’, the four-day gathering marks the Council’s centenary in world energy and will explore the role of connected energy societies in driving forward global energy transitions in a less predictable, more turbulent and faster shifting world context.

Energy transitions have always triggered societal disruption and current transitions are no exception. With the World Energy Council’s Humanising Energy vision embedded at its core, the event aims to put people, their evolving needs, and the planet at the heart of global energy transitions.

The 26th World Energy Congress has been brought forward from 2025 due to the pressing need to convene energy leaders to progress new possibilities linked to affordability, sustainability and energy security, together with the cancellation of the 25th Congress earlier this year.

Since the first Congress in 1924, the World Energy Congress has led the global energy agenda and operated as a truly unique community through different eras of energy transition. The Congress is attended by heads of state, ministers, CEOs, and wider energy society interests, including energy users, cities and communities.

Dr Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and CEO, World Energy Council, said:

“The world is in crisis, and this is a significant moment in the history of world energy cooperation. I would like to thank the Dutch member committee of the World Energy Council, the Dutch government and the City of Rotterdam, for their flexibility and desire to accelerate timelines. 

“Our world energy community is convening in person, in Rotterdam, to forge a new way forward – the challenge is to create a better system which anticipates new uses and users and involves more diverse energy interests. Accelerating clean and just energy transitions in all world regions is essential, and best progressed with energy trilemma solutions that empower people and communities to better manage the energy in their lives.”

His Excellency Rob Jetten, Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, The Netherlands, said:

“The Netherlands has big ambitions when it comes to sustainable energy and climate, and we seek to play our role across the globe. We live in turbulent energy times, and the importance of gathering world energy leaders together under the auspices of a World Energy Congress could not be greater. With a hundred-year heritage and successful track record, we are delighted to be hosting the World Energy Council during its centenary year.” 

Jeroen van Hoof, Chair of the World Energy Council, The Netherlands, and Chair of the World Energy Congress Rotterdam Organising Committee, said:

“We were delighted to be selected to host the 26th World Energy Congress by the Council’s worldwide membership and, bearing in mind the urgency to come together in the midst of these turbulent times, we have accelerated our plans to enable a Rotterdam Congress in December 2023. As a worldwide centre for global trade and energy, and with the great initiatives we are keen to share with the world, Rotterdam offers a perfect setting to discuss the reshaping of future energy systems for both people and planet.”

World Energy Congress 2023 will be held at the Rotterdam Ahoy, an event base for international professionals, politicians and artists.

 

For media inquiries, please contact the Congress’s media relations team at FTI Consulting: worldenergycongress@fticonsulting.com or +44(0)20 3727 1000

portrait image of Charlot Magayi

"As an energy entrepreneur from Nairobi, I'm looking forward to seeing how the World Energy Congress promotes better energy for communities in Africa and to being inspired by how others are tackling the global challenge of modern energy access for all."

Charlot Magayi

Founder and CEO, Mukuru Clean Stoves

portrait image of Ben Hutt

"Three major world crisis - covid, climate and conflict - have revealed the importance and fragility of energy systems. They have reminded us that we must manage the energy trilemma of security, affordability, and sustainability to avoid new shocks and crises."

Ben Hutt

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Evergen

Portrait image of Gaia Vince

"As we enter the age of the Anthropocene, our human footprint deepens, and we are changing the world as never before. I'm looking forward to conversations about energy for both people and planet at the 26th World Energy Congress, as we prepare for a fundamental shift in how we live."

Gaia Vince

Journalist, Broadcaster and Author

Portrait image of Dr Leonard Birnbaum

"Few events can boast of bringing together such diverse energy leadership and the perspectives of so many different sectors under one roof. I look forward to reconnecting with my peers at the 26th World Energy Congress."

Dr. Leonhard Birnbaum

CEO and Chairman of the Board of Management, E.ON

Portrait image of Rafael Mateo

"We know that new zero is not enough and at ACCIONA we have a planet-positive strategy and the provision of renewable energy is at the heart of regeneration. It's a privilege to be part of the 26th World Energy Congress and its vision to redesign energy for people and the planet"

Rafael Mateo

Chief Executive Officer, ACCIONA EnergÍa