IEA holds largest ever energy efficiency conference and launches new global commission for urgent action

DUBLIN – The International Energy Agency’s biggest ever Global Conference on Energy Efficiency opened in Dublin on 24 June, bringing together government ministers, CEOs and energy experts from around the world to discuss critical topics like financing, policy innovation and digitalisation.

At the start of the two-day event, Dr Fatih Birol, the IEA’s Executive Director, and Prime Minister Leo Varadkar of Ireland launched a new Global Commission for Urgent Action on Energy Efficiency of which Mr Varadkar will be the honorary chairperson. Several important political and business leaders have already agreed to join the commission to advance progress on energy efficiency, which the IEA views as the very first fuel of a sustainable global energy system.

Over 400 energy efficiency leaders from more than 50 countries are attending the Dublin event, which is the IEA’s fourth annual global conference on the subject. The gathering aims to identify how to unlock the vast potential of energy efficiency, bringing a wide range of important benefits, from greenhouse gas emissions reduction, to improved energy security and supporting economies to grow while delivering environmental and social benefits.

“No meaningful energy transition can take place without energy efficiency,” Dr Birol said. “At our largest ever energy efficiency conference, I’m delighted to have such strong support from Prime Minister Varadkar and other high-profile leaders for the launch of this new commission to spur urgent action around the world.” The composition of the commission will be announced next week.

A particular focus of this year’s conference is the impact of digitalisation on energy efficiency, and lessons learned from leaders around the world. At the event, the IEA launched a new online knowledge resource library demonstrating how digital technology innovation is opening new opportunities for energy efficiency enhancement

The IEA is the global authority for energy efficiency data, analysis and policy advice. The agency conducts a range of activities, including best practice sharing with governments across the globe and capacity building with policy makers in emerging economies. The IEA facilitates the exchange of knowledge through training programs, workshops, and research collaborations – and works to support energy efficiency globally, including at the G20.