Becoming a Future Energy Leader

Becoming a Future Energy Leader

The 2024 call for Future Energy Leaders (FEL) nominations is now open! The World Energy Council is looking for this generation's brightest minds among young professionals to join the Council's Future Energy Leaders programme. 

The World Energy Council's Future Energy Leaders Programme is a global and diverse network of young energy professionals designed to help shape, inspire and grow the energy leaders of tomorrow. The platform engages a select number of ambitious young professionals to participate in the Council's programmes as well as contribute to national, regional and international activities and events. The programme's objective is to inspire the next generation of energy leaders capable of solving the world’s most pressing energy and sustainability challenges. 

“For me, the Future Energy Leader Programme turned out to be a life-changing experience. When I came to the World Energy Congress in Daegu in 2013, I was in the process of finishing my PhD. Through the Japanese Future Energy Leaders, I made contact with the prestigious Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE) in Kyoto. I was hired a few months later. I literally got into my dream job thanks to Future Energy Leader Programme!” 

Bianka Shoai Tehrani, Future Energy Leader Alumni

Future Energy Leaders are an integral part of our “how to” community, fostering and sustaining new and effective modes of cooperation in this critical era of energy demands, encompassing 65 different countries. Last year, we welcomed 50 new Future Energy Leaders to the programme. 
 
The FEL community builds 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 in the energy debate. 

The main objective of the Global FEL Programme is to improve knowledge, experience and skills. 
 
Successful applicants will have an opportunity to: 

Access and contribute to the Council’s energy transition tools and authoritative studies as experts or observers, where they can develop their experience, knowledge and skills in an energy-focused environment while contributing to the World Energy Council’s global dialogue. 

Through a flexible and interactive system, the programme enables FELs to design projects with valuable and practical outputs – webinars, events, and national and regional initiatives. These projects form an integral part of the FEL programme as they help shape the FEL community and provides unique opportunities for international cooperation. 

Attend select World Energy Council global, regional and national events including the World Energy Congress and World Energy Week. These premier energy gatherings offer Future Energy Leaders a unique opportunity to better understand energy issues and solutions from a global perspective.  

Create their own professional network. 

Shape the vision of tomorrow’s energy system. 

Bridge the generation gap.  

Who can join?

During the first half of every year we on-board around 35 new participants and the same number of participants are replaced. Programme applicants should meet the following essential criteria:

• Solid interest and proven track record in energy or energy +; the CV indicates a specific achievement and the potential to become a leader in their field
• 3-5 years of junior management experience in an energy-related field
• Highly motivated and encouraged to work with the World Energy Council, and ready to commit to becoming a member of the exclusive Global FEL community and remain engaged for at least one up to typically three years
• Advanced level of English
• Not more than 35 years old at the time of application
• Availability for at least 15 days of contact time with the development programme (20 days in Congress years)
• Validation by an employer

Before you start completing your application, please read the outline of the application* form and make sure you have all necessary documents ready to be uploaded (CV and two recommendation letters).

*This is not the official application form. please refer to your national member committee to find out how to be nominated.

More information

We are looking for committed, dynamic professionals.  If you think you have what it takes, get in touch.