‘Redesigning energy for people and planet’. This was the motto of the 26th World Energy Congress, which took part in Rotterdam from 22 - 25 April in the World Energy Council’s centennial year. Over 4000 delegates, more than 350 speakers, and around 70 ministers participated in the conversation. Following the landmark COP28 summit in Dubai, Congress provided a critical platform to discuss key issues needed to make progress on the outcomes of tripling renewable energies and doubling down on energy efficiency while forging strategies to engage citizens in the transition.

The Ministerial Roundtable at the World Energy Congress provided a crucial platform for global leaders to reflect on the summit's outcomes and chart a course forward in the energy transition journey. Amidst diverse national priorities and challenges, the discussions yielded key insights and agreements that illuminate pathways towards a sustainable and equitable energy future.

As Future Energy Leaders, Thaddeus Anim-Somuah, Damilola Adeyanju, and Ivo Wakounig were invited to participate in the ministerial roundtable discussion, a closed-door meeting with Chatham house rules. This article is about our experiences in those meetings and what we learned about the future of energy.

Similar goals but different challenges

At the heart of the roundtable deliberations lay a recognition of the divergent needs and priorities among developed and developing governments. Therefore, even though the outcomes of COP28 are perceived to be ambitious and positive, they may not be the global game-changer which we need. For example, while developed nations emphasized the imperative of tripling renewable energy capacity, their developing counterparts underscored the importance of global climate action through mechanisms such as the stocktaking process. It is, hence, critical to understand countries’ different starting points when designing energy transition policies. While for some (developing) countries, it would be rather easy to triple their renewable energy capacity, other countries currently need to prioritise providing a stable energy supply that can provide a reliable baseload. This means that all energy options which can contribute to the decarbonisation goals should be pursued.

Energy efficiency was generally seen as an action priority for every nation and a critical pillar for energy security, affordability and sustainability. Every community and every sector would profit from more efficient technologies, which can reduce the loss of energy and, thereby the energy bill and related emissions. Therefore, acting on energy efficiency has been identified as a key leverage point in our decarbonisation journey. One issue which most countries struggle with is linked to the phase-out challenge: while there is a strong push to phase into renewable energies globally, phasing out of the fossil infrastructure is a major challenge, particularly for developing countries. Fossil fuels are embedded in technological and societal structures and provide reliable energy for local communities; therefore phasing out of this source of energy remains a critical topic. Phasing out of fossil fuels will remain a major action point in the upcoming years and require collaboration between different nations – particularly developing countries that will need financial support to navigate through that challenge.

Another topic of concern is adaptation to climate change. Already, many climate-vulnerable countries are experiencing the grappling effects of an ever warmer climate, such as more extreme weather events and droughts. Therefore, adaptation of communities and energy infrastructure to changing weather patterns due to climate change is an action priority among many nations, particularly developing countries. An integrated planning approach for climate resilience in buildings is, therefore an action priority when considering the implementation of the COP28 targets. Further challenges which were mentioned at the roundtable discussions include continuity in climate objectives, the socio-cultural integration of decarbonisation solutions, progress tracking and monitoring, standardisation of technological solutions, and infrastructure deployment.

To achieve the ambitious goals set at COP 28 on tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency, there was a general consensus that global leaders, experts, and stakeholders must develop pathways that address regional and local priorities while embracing global collaboration opportunities based on emerging trends. The transition will vary by region, requiring tailored pathways rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. COP28 will require all countries to triple their ambitions to implement decarbonisation solutions by building in (international) collaboration, people-centric approaches, and the pursuit of technologies which are tailored to the local level.

Everyone needs to collaborate

Throughout the discussions, it became evident that collaboration between different stakeholders plays a critical role in the success of energy transitions to net zero emissions. Despite different opinions on transition themes, the overarching recognition of interdependence in the transition journey will ultimately drive cooperation. Such cooperation requires organisations such as the World Energy Council to set the stage as a facilitator, which builds bridges and facilitates collaborations by accelerating action towards shared goals.

A key topic was global collaborations between developed and developing countries. Developed nations, with their access to capital and advanced technologies, are poised to play a pivotal role in supporting the energy transition efforts of their developing counterparts. Through financial assistance, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives, these countries can help bridge the gap, enabling developing nations to leapfrog traditional energy pathways and embrace cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. Conversely, developing nations offer valuable lessons in resilience, innovation, and community engagement, showcasing the potential for localized solutions to drive meaningful change. By leveraging indigenous knowledge and grassroots initiatives, these countries can inspire global action and pave the way for a more bottom-up approach to energy transition efforts.

A key driver of transitions on a local scale can be the private sector. However, it is also crucial that governments set in place support mechanisms and enable environments for private actors to drive change in the energy transition. Policy support and political backing, as well as the financing sector, including development banks, can help fill the finance gap. Assuming that the environment is supportive of private sector action, this can lead to swift transformations. Pathways which could enable that would be public-private partnerships, an investment-friendly environment, and influencing consumer behaviour towards sustainable practices. 

Other strategic collaborations which can accelerate transitions include the mobilisation of stakeholders, such as civil society organisations, working on innovative solutions with the construction sector, and sharing scientific knowledge worldwide. Particularly the development of AI applications can crucial for driving technological advancements and innovative solutions, making it a key priority for strategic collaboration.

The trilemma can help maintain transition momentum

The World Energy Trilemma, a framework which has been tracking the performance of over 100 countries in the three trilemma dimensions of energy affordability, sustainability, and security for over 15 years, can provide a tool which would allow for consistent monitoring of countries’ transition journeys. This stems from consensus during the roundtable discussions that a comprehensive approach, which can address and monitor the complexities of the energy transition, is urgently needed in order to effectively lead transitions. While it is evident that all three Trilemma dimensions should be pursued, the world will go through a rollercoaster in the Trilemma, meaning that changes within and between dimensions are to be expected. For example, in some years, energy affordability may be a persistent challenge, whereas in other years the sustainability dimension can be on top of the agenda and experience dramatic changes. Roundtable participants agreed that throughout the changing environment, collaborations will need to persist despite the challenges, and the Trilemma would provide a toolbox that will help achieve that by identifying short-, medium- and long-term action priorities.

Let’s transition. Together!

As we reflect on the insights gleaned from the Ministerial Roundtable, it becomes clear that the journey towards a sustainable energy future is fraught with challenges yet ripe with opportunities. By embracing the principles of collaboration, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, we can overcome the barriers that lie ahead and chart a course towards a brighter tomorrow.

Moving forward, we must translate the agreements reached at the roundtable into tangible action. This requires a concerted effort from governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals alike. From policy reforms and investment incentives to community engagement and technological innovation, every stakeholder has a role in driving the energy transition agenda forward. Moreover, we must remain vigilant in our commitment to equity, justice, and environmental stewardship. As we strive to build a more sustainable energy future, we must ensure that no one is left behind, and that the benefits of progress are shared equitably among all members of society. The Trilemma should play a central role in this concerted effort by providing a framework to guide impactful policy action.

In closing, the Ministerial Roundtable stands as a beacon of hope in a world grappling with the urgent challenges of climate change and energy insecurity. By coming together in dialogue and collaboration, the World Energy Council has laid the groundwork for transformative change on a global scale. The agreements reached offer a roadmap for policymakers, businesses, and communities alike, guiding efforts towards a more equitable, secure, and environmentally conscious energy landscape. Taking stock of the lessons learned, let us move forward with determination and resolve, knowing that the decisions we make today will shape the world of tomorrow.

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