The London summit, organized by the IEA and the UK, brings together energy leaders from around 60 governments and 50 companies globally to discuss creating a more resilient energy future. Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the UK and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the event, where 120 high-level representatives, including ministers, CEOs, and leaders from international organizations and civil society, are meeting this week to establish a more comprehensive approach to energy security in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that energy security is essential for national security, highlighting the UK’s efforts to transform energy into a source of strength and security.
President von der Leyen underscored the importance of reliable, affordable energy for economic competitiveness, outlining Europe’s commitment to supporting clean industries with a €100 billion investment in clean manufacturing through a new industrial deal.
IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, emphasized that energy security is crucial for economic stability, resolving energy poverty, and achieving sustainability goals, marking its ongoing importance fifty years after the IEA’s establishment.
UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, highlighted the need for global cooperation, stating that energy security is integral to national security and the UK, alongside the IEA, is leading the way by hosting the first major global summit on clean energy as energy security.
The two-day Summit comes at a critical time, following a series of energy-related challenges such as the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, extreme weather, and cyberattacks. Meanwhile, the global energy landscape is rapidly evolving with the growth of clean energy technologies, changing supply and demand patterns, electrification, and geopolitical shifts.
In response, the Summit focuses on strengthening energy security both individually and collectively, addressing evolving challenges. Key discussion topics will include:
- Strengthening electricity systems amidst growing demand
- Navigating digitalization and extreme weather impacts
- Leveraging clean energy technologies to diversify supply and reduce vulnerabilities
- Securing sustainable supply chains for critical minerals
- Ensuring oil and gas security with effective emergency responses
- Enhancing investment, efficiency, and resilience in energy systems
- Promoting cross-border, sectoral, and institutional cooperation.
Dr. Birol stated that the world is entering a new age of electricity, driven by clean energy technologies and digital innovation. He highlighted that while this brings new opportunities, it also introduces new vulnerabilities. He emphasized that diversification of supply—whether it’s oil, gas, or critical minerals—remains a fundamental principle of energy security, and stressed the need to be prepared to act swiftly and collectively.
The IEA has been the world’s foremost authority on energy security for over 50 years, having been established after the 1973 oil crisis. This week’s Summit acknowledges that while the nature of risks may be changing, the importance of ensuring secure, reliable, and affordable energy remains as crucial as ever.
On April 23, a series of high-level orbital events convened decision-makers and experts from government, industry, and academia to contribute to the main Summit discussions. Topics covered included gas security, critical minerals, gender issues, methane, and support for Ukraine’s energy system.
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