The International Energy Agency (IEA) held its sixth Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency on Tuesday, bringing together high-level speakers to discuss the role energy efficiency plays in achieving ambitious climate goals and how to reverse worrying signs of stalling progress.
Participants included ministers and other senior government figures from countries and institutions including Canada, China, the European Union, Japan, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States and the United Nations Environment Programme.
In addition to energy efficiency’s essential role in reaching climate goals, speakers at the conference emphasised its many benefits in relation to job creation, economic growth, alleviation of fuel poverty, promotion of access to energy and other important areas.
A major theme echoed by leaders from business, civil society and government was the need to work together, not just across sectors, but also internationally to accelerate action together.
In his opening remarks at the conference, Executive Director of the IEA, Fatih Birol, highlighted that global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions had risen above pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels by the end of 2020 – and that last year’s gains in energy efficiency were the slowest in a decade.
“Our analysis is very clear: In the absence of strengthening energy efficiency initiatives around the world, we have no chance whatsoever of meeting our energy and climate goals,” Dr Birol said.
“We call on the governments with us today to make use of their existing efficiency policies but also to push the next generation of policies – making use of digital technologies, smart grids and other key solutions.”
During the discussions, speakers underscored the important role that super-efficient equipment – like air conditioning, lighting and industrial motors – will play in the journey to net-zero emissions.
They highlighted the Super-Efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment Initiative and its role in raising ambition for energy efficiency progress worldwide.
The full agenda of high-level speakers is below, as well as the video of the entire conference for replay.
Session 1: Next-Generation Efficiency Policy for High-Ambition Targets
- HE Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, United Kingdom
- Ms Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UN Environment Programme
- HE Dr Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, Minister of Environment, Nigeria
- Mr Su Wei, Deputy Secretary-General, National Development and Reform Commission, China
- HE Kiyoshi Ejima, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan
- HE Claude Turmes, Minister of Energy, Luxembourg
- HE Kadri Simson, Commissioner for Energy, European Commission
Session 1 Panel Discussion:
- Mr Rashid Ali Abdallah, Executive Director of the African Energy Commission
- Ms Joyce Henry, Director General for Natural Resources Canada
- Dr Kathleen Hogan, Acting Under Secretary for Science & Energy, US Department of Energy
- Ms Ditte Juul Joergensen, Director General for Energy, European Commission
Session 2: Super-Efficient Products for Net-Zero Transitions
- Mr Jamshyd Godrej, Chairman and Managing Director, Godrej & Boyce
- Mr Daniel Zhang, CEO, BROAD Group
- Ms Paula R. Glover, President, Alliance to Save Energy
- Mr Kim Fausing, CEO, Danfoss
Session 2 Panel Discussion:
- Ms Adriana Lobo, CEO, WRI Mexico
- Mr Katsuyuki Sawai, Executive Officer, Daikin Industries
- Dr Markus Thill, President of Africa, Robert Bosch
- Mr Morten Wierod, President of Motion, ABB
Watch it back here:
