Future Energy Leaders Shine at 23rd World Energy Congress

 

 

Bright young future energy leaders (FEL) networked with established leaders while highlighting the value of the Council’s Future Energy Leaders’ programme to young professionals within the energy sector, at the 23rd World Energy Congress in Istanbul.

The FEL-100 Congress took place in parallel to the main 23rdWorld Energy Council Congress. Between 9 and 13 October.

The FEL congress commenced with a welcome and introduction from Pirjo Jantunen, Chair of the Future Energy Leaders programme, followed by a FEL expert roundtable on The future of Hydrocarbons after the Commodity price storm. The session explored the future of the global energy industry as nations seek to transition to a low carbon economy while maintaining economic growth and supplying energy to growing populations.

 

Pirjo Jantunen said: “The FEL congress was a great success. A good number of FELs attended, and participated extremely actively both during the FEL and main congress. It was the first time we had FELs speaking at the main congress too and they were able to provide a younger generation's perspective. After months of preparation I was extremely happy to see such a great support for the vision declared from the FEL community. Clearly we managed to highlight a number of topical issues. I am also proud to hear that the vision got immediate support from the UAE energy Minister.”

The FEL Congress programme consisted of three further expert roundtables: Smart visions for the grand transitions; Post COP-21: balancing objectives for emerging markets and Developing talent: A new era for energy leaders, as well as various interactive sessions and networking events. The FELS also had the opportunity to participate in some sessions of the main Congress.

The main objective of the FEL Congress is to provide a platform for participants to exchange ideas and network with the FEL Board and participate in one of seven FEL taskforces  including: Climate change: The world of energy after Paris Agreement; Digitalisation: Impact of digitalisation on the energy industry; Energy access: strategies for a sustainable energy-water-food nexus, as well as Energy economics: low oil pricing –The new energy empires by restructuring energy companies, among others.

 

“The FELs have been working in different taskforces for almost a year. The Human Capital taskforce published their fel-human-capital-taskforce-report during the Congress, which was well received within the community. Other taskforces have made great progress as well. Based on the feedback collected, the FELs really enjoyed the week. We have never got that much positive feedback. One of them described it as a life changing experience. We couldn't achieve more! I am already looking forward to the next Congress. I hope that next time the FELs can be even more integrated into the main Congress, so there can be more interaction between future and present energy leaders. Without the voice of our generation, the energy sector cannot be among the winners”, Ms Jantunen added.

There were also individual workshops where the FELs had an opportunity to engage in presentations and discussions about their work.

Having combined their efforts to define an overall Future Energy Leaders (FEL) vision for years to come, the members of the FELs felt optimistic in being able to offer solutions to the challenges facing the energy sector in order to contribute to a sustainable future. They declared their vision for the future of energy during the main congress closing ceremony

Congress is one of the main events in the FEL programme and a unique platform for the FEL group to meet in person and to get to know each other.