The International Energy Agency (IEA) and the European Commission will jointly host the 10th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Brussels, Belgium, on June 12-13, 2025. Announced by IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol and European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, this significant gathering aims to bring together ministers, business leaders, and industry representatives to enhance initiatives promoting energy efficiency worldwide. A major theme of the conference is accelerating global efforts to double energy efficiency progress within this decade.
IEA's Latest Analysis on Energy Efficiency
Recent findings from the IEA indicate that many governments are falling short of achieving the goal to double energy efficiency progress. To rectify this, more robust policy initiatives are necessary across various sectors, including buildings, industry, and transportation. The Brussels conference will delve into how improved energy efficiency can bolster industrial competitiveness while making energy more affordable for both households and businesses.
Addressing the Current Progress Rate
"The current rate of progress in energy efficiency is disappointingly slow, given the critical role it can play in improving energy security, reducing energy costs, and lowering emissions," stated Dr. Birol. He emphasized that the Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency presents a platform for global stakeholders to examine strategies to expedite energy efficiency improvements.
Commissioner's Vision for Global Cooperation
Commissioner Jørgensen expressed anticipation for the event, stating, "The Commission is honored to co-host the IEA's 10th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency and looks forward to welcoming participants from all corners of the world. I am confident that this conference will provide insights and commitments to increase our collective efforts to meet the Global Pledge on doubling energy efficiency by 2030." He highlighted energy efficiency as essential to decarbonization and a just transition.
Turning Ambitious Targets into Action
The IEA and the European Commission aim to explore how governments can translate ambitious energy efficiency targets into actionable plans and secure investments in both emerging and advanced economies. The event is organized in partnership with the Energy Efficiency Movement, a global initiative pushing for widespread adoption of energy-efficient solutions in industries.
Industry's Role in Energy Efficiency
"Industries play a key role in accelerating energy efficiency," noted Mike Umiker, Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Movement. He acknowledged the conference as a prime opportunity for industry leaders to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration.
Extending the Global Commitment
The upcoming conference follows its predecessor, held in Nairobi, Kenya, in May 2024, marking the first time an African nation hosted the event. Over 650 global delegates highlighted the necessity of boosting energy efficiency investments, particularly within emerging and developing economies, reinforcing commitments to global energy efficiency escalation.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol and European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen announced that they will co-host the IEA’s 10th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Brussels, Belgium, on 12-13 June 2025.
The Annual Global Conference brings together ministers, business pioneers, and industry representatives to drive stronger action on energy efficiency. A key focus of the conference will be the global agreement to double energy efficiency progress this decade.
Latest IEA analysis
The latest IEA analysis shows that governments are not on track to achieve the doubling goal
The latest IEA analysis shows that governments are not on track to achieve the doubling goal, with stronger policy action needed on energy efficiency in a range of areas such as buildings, industry, and transport.
The role that energy efficiency can play in boosting industrial competitiveness and energy affordability for households and businesses will also be discussed in detail at the conference in Brussels.
Improvements in energy efficiency
“The current rate of progress in energy efficiency is disappointingly slow, given the critical role it can play in improving energy security, reducing energy costs and lowering emissions,” said Dr. Birol.
“The 10th edition of the IEA’s Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, which we will co-host with the European Commission, will provide an opportunity for key stakeholders from across the globe to come together to assess what can be done to speed up improvements in energy efficiency.”
Collective efforts to meet the Global Pledge
Commissioner Jørgensen said: “The Commission is honoured to co-host the IEA’s 10th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency and looks forward to welcoming participants from all corners of the world. I am confident that this conference will provide insights and commitments to increase our collective efforts to meet the Global Pledge on doubling energy efficiency by 2030."
"Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of decarbonization and the just transition and, as such, it needs to be prioritized and mainstreamed. I am grateful to the IEA for relentlessly working towards these goals with all the partners involved.”
How governments can ensure that ambitious targets
The event will focus on how governments can ensure that ambitious targets turn into implementation
The event, jointly organized by the IEA and the European Commission, will focus on how governments can ensure that ambitious targets turn into implementation and attract on-the-ground investment for emerging and advanced economies alike.
The 10th Global Conference is being held in partnership with the Energy Efficiency Movement, a global community to accelerate at scale the adoption of energy-efficient solutions within industry.
“Industries play a key role in accelerating energy efficiency,” said Mike Umiker, Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Movement. “The conference provides a great opportunity to unite industry pioneers to share knowledge and collaborate.”
Importance of scaling up energy efficiency investments
The event follows the 9th Global Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, in May 2024. It was the first time an African nation had hosted the event, with more than 650 representatives attending from around the world.
Delegates emphasised the importance of scaling up energy efficiency investments, particularly in emerging and developing economies, and reinforced global commitments to achieving energy efficiency targets.
