From 22-25 April 2024, the 26th World Energy Congress took place in Rotterdam. Co-hosted by the World Energy Council and the Government of the Netherlands, the Congress is a critical turning point for clean and inclusive energy transitions worldwide and an opportunity to design and deliver better energy futures. HCSS strategic analysts Laura Birkman and Irina Patrahau represented the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies as official Congress partner.
“The 26th World Energy Congress brought together an enormous diversity of people and perspectives,” senior strategic analyst Laura Birkman reflected. “Central to the discussion was how to move the different global transitions forward, including the energy transition. There are multiple pathways to get there, but a key challenge will be to shift the current focus on supply (alignment of markets) to demand (alignment of people). The social transformation required will necessitate a user-centric system that understands and acts on the needs of people and industry.”
“Energy is not about prosperity anymore, but a social justice issue. A just and inclusive energy transition will be key to its success.”
HCSS senior strategic analyst Laura Birkman
For 100 years, the World Energy Congress has convened the cooperative power of the world energy community to turn inspiration into action, exploring innovative solutions to global challenges and shaping the future of energy.
“This year’s World Energy Congress was clearly focused on addressing the energy trilemma of affordability, sustainability, and security, recognizing that an energy transition that does not advance societal well-being and environmental sustainability is a failed transition,” HCSS analyst Irina Patrahau stated. “Achieving these requires developing context-specific solutions for different geographies and different energy sources, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.”
The World Energy Congress is the world’s longest established energy event led by the world’s oldest energy community, delivering a world-class, independent and impactful energy gathering on a global scale. Throughout the four days of the Congress meeting, leaders came together to explore solutions on key topics including: the energy transition, e-Mobility, infrastructure, public sector and alternative fuels.
“An energy transition that does not advance societal well-being and environmental sustainability is a failed transition.”
HCSS strategic analyst Irina Patrahau
“Energy is not about prosperity anymore, but a social justice issue,” Laura Birkman commented. “A just and inclusive energy transition will be key to its success. The challenge of transitioning ‘in’ is just as great as the challenge of transitioning ‘out’. A change making mentality will be critical in a world that is fueled by geopolitical tension and distrust. Focusing on the benefits of the energy transition rather than the costs, can help shift the conversation from winners and losers to a system that can be attractive for all.”
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