Gas World: World Energy Congress 2024 - Energy transition in the spotlight

World Energy Congress 2024: Energy transition in the spotlight

This report was originally published in Gas World on 26/09/23. Read the original piece here.

The 26th iteration of the World Energy Congress (Congress) will be held under the banner of ‘Redesigning Energy for People and Planet’ as it aims to drive discussion around the delivery of new solutions to address energy, climate and human security challenges.

To be held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, between 22nd and 25th April 2024, the event follows the milestone 100th anniversary of event organisers the World Energy Council (the Council) – a global platform for industry leaders, policymakers and experts to address global energy challenges and promote sustainable energy solutions.

Hosted in cities across the world since 1924, the Congress will see around 18,000 total attendees including 7,000 delegates, 70 Ministers and a sizeable media contingent.

Featuring a wealth of speakers, contributors and facilitators, the Council’s 26th such event will take place over four days, uniting policymakers, C-suite executives, industry experts, entrepreneurs and young energy leaders.

According to the Council, the Congress will engage a diverse range of people at all levels of the energy dialogue and convene them around the ‘how to’ in enabling energy transitions to happen at pace and scale.

Key speakers will include Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and CEO of the World Energy Council; Rob Jetten, Minister for Climate and Energy Policy for the Netherlands; Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; and Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of the City of Rotterdam.

Speaking ahead of the event, Wilkinson said, “In the wake of three once-in-a-lifetime crises – covid, climate, conflict – we are reminded of the balance that must be struck between the energy trilemma of security, affordability, and environmental sustainability.”

Having released its Global Energy Survey earlier this year, it was revealed that two thirds of the more than 700 leaders of the global energy community continue to be concerned by the pace of energy transitions.

“The results of our Pulse Survey show a fundamental and increasing concern across all energy interests that our energy system is no longer fit for purpose,” continued Wilkinson.

“Leaders believe that we are moving too slowly, creating a system which is failing to deliver the most basic requirement of access to affordable energy, and that we risk disenfranchising individuals and communities from the energy transition.”

Designed to act as an inclusive forum for society to come together to discuss these critical challenges, the Congress aims to advance discussion between communities, innovators, businesses, governments and energy users.

“The solutions to the energy crisis will come by ensuring that diverse communities and people are at the centre of the debate,” added Wilkinson.

The upcoming Congress also marks one of the first major topical events following COP28, hosted by the UAE in December 2023. This will enable attendees to gain an early insight into the lessons learned in Dubai, charting a course for the energy transition against a backdrop of an increasingly unpredictable energy landscape.

Commenting on the Congress, Rob Jetten, Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, said, “We are delighted to host the 26th World Energy Congress in Rotterdam next year.”

“The Netherlands has big ambitions when it comes to sustainable energy and climate and are keen to expand our role in the renewable transition in Europe and across the globe.”

“The importance of gathering world energy leaders together under the umbrella of the World Energy Congress is more vital than ever as we navigate these turbulent energy times and strive towards a fairer future for all.”