World Energy Council welcomes it new Future Energy Leaders

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Every year, more than 30 new Future Energy Leaders are selected in a competitive process to join the World Energy Council’s FEL-100 programme and become a member of this exclusive global network.

This year the Council received 165 nominations from its member committees and global Patrons, of which only 37 new places were available. Of the new intake, 24 were male and 13 were females. The candidates came from a diverse background with 10 from Africa, 6 from Asia, 13 from Europe, 4 from the Latin America and the Caribbean region and, 3 from the Middle East.

Diversity in sectorial background

Diversity in sectorial background was also high in 2017 with 4 hailing from Academia and Research; 2 from Engineering/construction; 2 from Finance; 6 from Government; 2 from NGO; 5 from Oil & gas; 6 from renewables, 8 from utilities; and 1 from technology and consulting.

Sheila Elizabeth Bortey-Kharis, is an electrical engineer with the Ghana Grid Company Limited working as an operations planning engineer at the nation's system control centre. Her role work is to draw day ahead plans for the operation and control of the National Interconnected Transmission System in Ghana. Sheila commented:

“Being selected to be a part of the ‘FEL 100’ programme is an honour. I honestly didn't expect to be selected this year. I am looking forward to working with the many young experts across the globe and hopefully meeting them in person. I am confident that I'll learn a lot from these experienced people.”

About the Future Energy Leaders' programme

The World Energy Council’s Future Energy Leaders’ Programme – the FEL-100 is designed to inspire, grow and develop the world’s energy leaders of tomorrow. It serves as an exclusive platform to engage ambitious young energy professionals in national, regional and international activities and events. Its objective is to build up participants to become the next generation of energy leaders capable of solving most pressing challenges facing the industry. We are in a moment of critical transition in the energy industry and innovative solutions are required to drive a sustainable energy future.

Future Energy Leaders get to:

Attend and shape the programme of an exclusive, annual Future Energy Leaders’ Summit
Build their own professional network as well as interact with senior energy leaders from across the world
Work in one of the FEL taskforces on topics such as climate change, energy access, energy efficiency, digitalisation, energy economics, human capital and FEL development
Attend selected global, regional and national events such as the triannual World Energy Congress running since 1924, the Council’s Executive Assembly and Trilemma Summi
Access and contribute to the Council’s strategic studies and flagship reports
Develop and share a FEL-100 vision with a global audience

Challenge conventional thinking and explore new strategies

FEL-100 programme participants are invited to contribute to the World Energy Council’s global energy dialogue, support the development of balanced policy frameworks and help shape energy solutions for tomorrow. The objective of the programme is to build on creative ideas and the innovative potential of the next generation to challenge conventional thinking and explore new strategies for the future of our energy systems. It offers young professionals a unique opportunity for learning and development with exposure to critical issues on the energy agenda.

Simas Gerdvila, commented: “My experience with the selection process was very smooth and positive. I directly contacted the Chair of FEL100 Pirjo Jantunen, who provided me with all the necessary information. From that moment, the process was very straightforward. My relationship with the Lithuanian national MC is quite fresh. I first met them in January this year when I was giving a speech at the annual event of the Lithuanian Heating Sector. Since my speech was about global/European energy issues, we found many common points of interest with the member committee."

The FEL programme strives for excellence, commitment and diversity. To guarantee the quality and continuity of the programme, each selected individual is initially taken on board for one year. Afterwards the opportunity to remain in the programme is offered if he/she can demonstrate commitment and involvement. The average term of a Future Energy Leader is three years. At the end of their tenure, programme participants will receive a certificate and will be invited to join the FEL Alumni community to remain part of the World Energy Council’s global network.

Read more about Future Energy Leaders’ Programme – the FEL-100.

Follow FEL-100 on Twitter @WECFELs #FEL100

For more information, please contact Sophie Rose, Head, Future Energy Leaders Programme: