Side events are key components of the 26th World Energy Congress. They provide unique, high-level opportunities for member and partner organisations to contribute to the goal of forging new ways forward on global energy transitions that enable billions of better lives on one healthy planet.
Side events serve a wide range of purposes and audiences and support high-profile announcements and main stage events to workshops and roundtables with targeted audiences.
Complementing the carefully curated and constructive public and private leadership dialogues and innovative formats that create the right conditions for open and honest conversation around critical energy issues, side events are expected to become high-visibility moments for member and partner organisations.
Unless otherwise indicated side events are open to all full Congress delegates and are, like all sessions, first come first served.
WEC Austria
Dock 14
The purpose of this event is to allow for an exchange of the Austrian Delegation on the first day of the Congress.
Atlantic Council
Dock 15
In 2024, 40 percent of the world’s population will go to the polls, ushering in a new cadre of global leaders tasked with navigating the energy transition as the urgency of climate action continues to gain pace. Election cycles may become referenda on the progress of climate action and how global leaders have managed a period of volatility in energy markets, guiding the decisions of new leaders after taking office. Policymakers who are chasing votes may be keen to elevate issues such as national competitiveness in clean energy supply chains, enflaming protectionist impulses as new energy markets unfold. Following the positive momentum after COP28, how will newly elected officials advance, or walk back, ambitious plans to reach the targets of the Paris Agreement?
OPEC
Dock 15
The OPEC’s World Oil Outlook (WOO) has been published since 2007, provides a detailed analysis of various factors affecting the global energy and oil market with a medium- and long-term outlook until 2045. During the session, experts will present the prospects for the energy sector’s development, including energy and oil demand, oil supply, refining and trade, while considering changes in the world population and economic situation, as well as specific aspects of energy policies and technological evolution.
WEC Italy
Dock 13
The Mediterranean region is at the crossroads of three continents and is a unique area with highly diverse energy systems and situations but also significant economic, (geo)political, social and cultural ties and interdependencies. In over a dozen countries across the Mediterranean region national Member Committees of the World Energy Council currently exist.
In this pivotal moment in time, there is more than ever a need to strengthen collaboration and benefit from the possibilities of the unique Council network to generate and share insights, best practices and know-how, and implement our Humanising Energy agenda together with peers across countries and regions. That’s the reason why the WEC MED cross-regional collaboration initiative was launched, co-developed by the Italian Member Committee and the Global Secretariat and joined by most of the WEC MCs of Euro MED area. The initiative is carrying out an in-depth study on the regional energy transition and the event will be the occasion to present the “WEC MED Energy Transition Checklist”, a Short-Paper aimed at identifying the challenges and priorities of the Mediterranean plus Gulf energy agenda.
The Official Side Event will be an opportunity to address, together with high institutional representatives, international organizations and stakeholders from the national and international energy scene, the most urgent issues related to regional energy security and transition goals, aware that today’s actions and choices will shape our common future.
Energy Market Authority of Singapore
Dock 14
Amidst the global push for sustainable energy solutions, the pivotal role of hydrogen and low carbon innovations in driving the energy transition has come to the forefront, poised to play a transformative role in reshaping the global energy landscape.
While the integration of hydrogen and low carbon innovations into the energy landscape offers numerous advantages, there are challenges to their widespread use, including adoption and production costs, technology maturity, as well as policy and regulatory frameworks. In Asia and Europe, many countries face the dual challenge of meeting its growing energy demand while transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable sources, necessitating solutions such as augmenting renewable capacity and developing carbon-reducing technologies.
SIEWConnects@Rotterdam will bring together industry experts and leaders to discuss the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, its integration into existing energy systems, innovations in low carbon technologies, and policy and regulatory measures to support the deployment of hydrogen and low carbon innovations at scale. This session will also explore the potential opportunities for collaboration on hydrogen and low carbon innovations between Asia and Europe.
EDF and World Energy Council France with participation of AIEA, European Commission, EPRI, Member of Parliament, WNA.
Dock 15
In a context characterized by a new European and international momentum for nuclear energy (European Nuclear Alliance, International Nuclear Alliance at COP28, European Industrial Alliance for SMR, Nuclear Energy Summit), this official side event of the World Energy Congress will bring together high level speakers (institutional representatives, international organizations, research organisations, low-carbon energy supplier and developer, member of parliament, industrial customer and more) to discuss:
Registration is mandatory (limited seats available) using this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSzR26IOkXK7m6SWr2LFZLmJ-qBhbv27uJ4c_5TJ11K2RFtA/viewform
Global CCS Institute
Dock 14
Climate technologies supporting the mission to net-zero, such as carbon capture and storage, require consistent and dedicated leadership at the helm to ensure that it’s adopted globally. Over the years, we’ve seen unwavering commitment to substantiate the need for CCS illustrated by science-backed thought leadership by some of the world’s most credible organisations, like the IEA, and have seen plans for the technology embedded in the climate strategies of governments and global companies.
Held at the World Energy Congress in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, this event led by the Global CCS Institute will highlight the role CCS will play in the low-carbon transition to ensure that the most catastrophic impacts of climate change are avoided. Highlighted will be CCS projects and initiatives, along with policy positions that have been undertaken that are spearheading the CCS effort, featuring insights from key players leading the path forward.
ARPEL
Dock 15
The concept of “just” energy transition is understood and defended or proclaimed in different ways by different sectors of society, and by different regions of the world. Part of the concept of justice is also that of equity and reduction of structural and energy poverty. How are the dilemmas faced by the poorest countries or those most dependent on hydrocarbon production resolved? In this session we will listen to the perspective of the energy sector in Latin America and the Caribbean, with the aim of enriching the dialogue and detecting synergies and global opportunities for cooperation, which leverage the decarbonization of the region without violating its right to sustainable development, protecting and respecting it.
World Nuclear Association / United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) / Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Dock 15
Modern society is vitally dependent on a reliable supply of electricity. However, in recent times a number of crises have highlighted the vulnerabilities of the current energy system from unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical crises in the region, supply chain disruptions, and climate change impacts.
The crisis has significantly impacted the cost to consumers and have raised energy security as a key issue in addition to addressing climate change. Many countries are reevaluating their electricity system design and energy security policies in light of current events
The session will explore a range of key issues in relation to electricity system resilient such as:
Ademe / Enerdata
Dock 12
Most of the discussions and policies are very active on developing green solutions to decarbonise the energy systems, and this brings clear perspectives of reducing the GHG emissions growth trend. But this will not be sufficient and we need at the same time to tackle the energy consumption trend through both energy efficiency and energy sufficiency initiatives.
The event will be organised in order to:
Latin American Energy Organization – OLADE
Dock 15
Background
The second phase of the energy transition typically refers to a stage in the evolution of a society’s energy systems towards sustainability, resilience, and reduced environmental impact. It builds upon the initial phase, which often involves a focus on renewable energy deployment and efficiency improvements. Some key aspects and goals associated with the second phase of the energy transitions involve the integration of renewable energies, decarbonization of sectors of the economy that have emissions that are hard to abate, new energy storage solutions and energy vectors and making efforts regarding circular economy and sustainable practices.
The second phase involves integrating renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power into the existing energy infrastructure. This integration may require upgrading grids, developing storage solutions (such as batteries), and implementing smart grid technologies to manage fluctuating renewable energy inputs. As renewable energy sources are intermittent, the development and deployment of novel energy storage solutions becomes imperative. This includes advanced batteries, pumped hydro storage, compressed air energy storage, and other technologies that can store excess energy generated during low-demand periods of time.
Moreover, a significant objective of the second phase is to decarbonize the energy sector, especially those sectors such as industrial and transport, by reducing or eliminating reliance on fossil fuels. This includes phasing out coal, oil, and natural gas in favor of cleaner alternatives. Electrification of transportation and heating, for example, plays a crucial role in this decarbonization effort. Also, exploring alternative fuels such as hydrogen, biofuels, and synthetic fuels derived from renewable sources can also support this decarbonization process.
The second phase of the energy transition often aligns with broader sustainability goals, including the promotion of circular economy principles – which involves minimizing waste, recycling materials, promoting energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and fostering sustainable consumption patterns – as well as fostering inclusivity principles that seek equality of opportunity to decision-making spaces, distribute energy resources in a more equitable manner, make sure that the impacts on job displacements are minimized and that the environmental impacts are prevented and mitigated.
In the case of the Latin American and the Caribbean region, which is both highly heterogeneous and rich in regards of its natural resources, the second phase of the energy transitions brings forth several challenges and opportunities. This side event will try to address which are the current challenges facing the region and how the different nations can find that these challenges also bring a set of opportunities to be explored.
Guiding questions:
International Atomic Energy Agency
Dock 14
On the occasion of the 26th World Energy Congress, this side event organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will highlight the crucial role that nuclear power has in the clean energy transitions by discussing the rationale for deploying nuclear power to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement while ensuring affordable and reliable energy supply. Examples of countries choosing to expand their existing fleet or to embark on this technology will be discussed.
In recent years, nuclear power has gained recognition as a key enabler, alongside renewables, to a clean energy future. At COP28, the Global Stocktake officially called for accelerating the deployment of low-emission technologies including nuclear energy, to help achieve deep and rapid decarbonization.
This policy discussion, with the distinguished participation of high-level decision makers on the matter, will reflect on the opportunities and challenges that the sector will face in the upcoming years to contribute to net zero by the middle of the century, building on the outcomes of the first Nuclear Energy Summit to be held in Brussels in March 2024.
OrganiserAsian Development Bank (ADB)
Dock 12
Contributing about two-thirds of global growth, the Asia and Pacific region requires massive energy. While energy security has always been an issue, the call for collective action is revived as countries fulfill more ambitious global climate and development goals—affordable and sustainable energy for all (Sustainable Development Goal 7), the Paris agreement through nationally determined contributions, and net-zero targets—and strive to overcome energy price and supply vulnerabilities. Energy security in the Asia and Pacific region is anchored on three issues: accessibility and reliability, supply security, and environmental sustainability.
About 54 million people in Developing Asia still have no access to electricity, mostly located in isolated and remote rural areas, and about 350 million people have inadequate energy supply. While the region has significant progress using renewable energy sources, majority of its electricity (57%) was generated by coal in 2022. Moreover, it is responsible for more than 50 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and more than 80 percent of the projected global growth in coal demand.
Some countries in the Asia and Pacific region are dependent on low-cost fossil fuel resources. While some have high renewable potential but lack the economic resources to develop them, others are all together resource-poor and are import dependent. Overall, the region is highly dependent on fossil fuels. Renewable energy and energy efficiency can help reduce dependency on costly fossil fuel imports and increase self-sufficiency.
Renewable energy deployment helps with last mile electrification, and provides alternative energy systems and more secure connections in key areas. Energy efficiency measures can help augment generation capacity and lower the cost of the energy transition.
Energy security and low-carbon transition in the Asia and Pacific region are among the development advocacies of ADB; they are institutionalized in the ADB Strategy 2030 and Energy Policy. ADB assists countries in the region assess conventional and new fuel sources according to socioeconomic and environmental needs, and promotes the deployment of clean energy solutions. This is broadly referred to as the Just Energy Transition and is ideally supported with integrated energy system planning.
This session is a discourse on the challenges and prospects of energy security in the Asia and Pacific region with a focus on financing clean energy solutions. Questions to be answered include what the key challenges and barriers are, how do we accelerate and ensure no one’s left behind, and how can development and climate goals converge harmoniously as we strive to achieve energy security. ADB will present its clean energy initiatives, experiences, and lessons learned in the region, while the invited panel speakers will share insights and more stories from the ground. The panel will comprise high-level officials from the governments in the Asia and Pacific region and international organizations.
Eurelectric
Dock 13
In light of the general increase of the total power demand in the coming years as well as a fundamental change of the generation mix, Eurelectric proposes to host a high-level roundtable at the WEC to discuss the needs and challenges of grid infrastructure to fulfill the energy demands of the European Union.
Power grids are quickly evolving from key enabler to main bottleneck for the connection and integration of RES and flexible loads. Thereby Eurelectric is conducting a flagship study on grids, launched in May 2024, aiming to 1) update the investment volumes until 2030 to showcase the need to prioritise the infrastructure challenges to comply with EU climate and energy targets, 2) identify key barriers to expand and digitalise the grid and best practices to overcome them, and 3) zoom in on grid integration issues such as network planning, anticipatory investments etc.
The roundtable will zoom into the preliminary findings of the Grids for Speed study and foster a strategic discussion on how grids will be able to cope with the increasing load and quality demanded by an ever more electrified economy.
WEC India / CII (Confederation of Indian Industries)
Dock 14
In an era marked by unprecedented environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainable development, the global energy landscape stands at a critical juncture. As nations strive to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, the role of emerging economies like India becomes increasingly vital. With its rapidly expanding population, ambitious development goals, and commitment to renewable energy, India stands poised to play a transformative role in reshaping the global energy paradigm. The event will focus on India’s evolving role in redesigning energy systems to meet the dual imperatives of ensuring access to affordable and clean energy for all while mitigating climate change and environmental degradation.
Key Takeaways:
WEC Türkiye
Dock 15
This dedicated session aims to illuminate Türkiye’s pivotal position at the crossroads of major energy corridors, underlining its potential to serve as a significant catalyst in the global energy transition. Spearheaded by the esteemed Chair of the World Energy Council – Türkiye and the Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Alparslan Bayraktar, this session is designed to:
World Energy Council
Dock 13
The session provides an opportunity to engage with the World Energy Council Scenarios, method, approach and preliminary findings. These include, an examination of the Scenarios Foundations as well as a review of the preliminary quantification undertaken by Enerdata. Participants will have an opportunity to reflect on the use of Scenarios by the World Energy Council, and how a next round of scenarios engagements, likely at regional level, might build on the refreshed scenarios.
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"I’m honoured to be joining so many visionary female leaders at the 26th World Energy Congress as we come together from all regions and industries to build a brighter future for people and the planet."
Sara Akbar
Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Oilserv Kuwait
"We know that net 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
"At Qcells, we are committed to delivering clean energy worldwide through our cutting-edge solar technology. I look forward to bringing the voice of solar and storage and our perspective on how to grow this promising industry to the 2024 World Energy Congress."
Dr Danielle Merfeld
EVP and Global Chief Technology Officer at Qcells
"As a proud Patron of the World Energy Council, I’m delighted to be part of the next World Energy Congress as together we harness our collective experience and solutions to build a net zero energy future."
Luc Remont
Chairman & CEO, Electricité de France (EDF)
"A just transition, for Africa, will not be possible without access to sustainable finance, the pursuit of economic development goals and the empowerment of women. The 2024 World Energy Congress will be a unique opportunity to accelerate energy transitions in Africa and beyond."
Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani
Chief Commercial Officer, Mixta Africa (ARM Group)
