• Camille Vachet, Sustainability Advocate, #SustainablePublicAffairs (confirmed)

Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate Action, European Commission

As the world accelerates toward a cleaner energy future, the global landscape is evolving rapidly, with the United States and China leading the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. For Europe, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. High energy prices are impacting European industries, making it crucial to prioritise cost reductions for both businesses and households. Achieving energy independence, particularly from Russian fuel, and advancing the Green Deal are critical steps in transforming Europe’s energy landscape while enhancing its competitiveness on the global stage.

This panel will explore how Europe can leverage its unique strengths to remain a leader in the global clean energy transition. While positioning itself at the forefront of this shift, Europe must also address the legitimate concerns surrounding the green transition, including potential job displacement and the need for reskilling. Policymakers and industry leaders will discuss the necessary actions to accelerate the energy shift, the role of international cooperation, and how Europe can foster innovation and attract investment to secure its place in this competitive race. The session will provide actionable insights on how Europe can not only keep pace but also set new benchmarks for sustainable growth, ensuring that the transition is both economically viable and socially inclusive.

• What are the most pressing economic and regulatory challenges Europe faces in achieving energy independence and transitioning away from fossil fuels, and how can these be overcome to ensure a competitive and sustainable energy future?
• Given the impact of high energy prices on European industries, what steps should Europe take to reduce costs for businesses and households while accelerating the transition to renewable energy?
• How can Europe leverage its technological strengths and attract the necessary investments to remain competitive in the global race to clean energy, particularly in the face of rapid advancements in the USA and China?
• What role does the Green Deal play in transforming Europe’s energy landscape, and how can it drive both emissions reductions and long-term economic growth?

• As Europe embraces a green transition, how can it address the legitimate concerns of job displacement and reskilling, ensuring that the transition is inclusive and provides equitable opportunities for all?

Moderator:

• Camille Vachet, Sustainability Advocate, #SustainablePublicAffairs (confirmed)

Speakers:

• MEP Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Group S&D, Member of ITRE Committee, European Parliament (confirmed)
• Nicola de Michelis, Acting Deputy Director General and Director, Smart and Sustainable Growth and Programme Implementation, DG REGIO, European Commission (confirmed)
• Tudor Constantinescu, Principal Advisor, DG ENER, European Commission (confirmed)
• Gabrielle Gauthey, CEO High Representative to the European Institutions and Senior Vice-President European Affairs, TotalEnergies (confirmed)

• Joško Klisović, President of the Assembly, City of Zagreb (confirmed)

Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence are pivotal in reshaping Europe’s energy landscape, driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. This session will delve into the transformative potential of combining robust digital infrastructure with AI-powered solutions to optimise energy systems, enhance grid flexibility, and accelerate the transition to a greener future.

The panel will explore how a coordinated approach involving EU institutions, member states, and industry can implement strategies such as the Digitalisation of Energy Strategy and the EU AI Act. By focusing on energy data interoperability, ethical AI adoption, and cross-sector collaboration, the discussion will highlight actionable insights to overcome challenges like energy-intensive AI operations and fragmented data standards.

• How are DG CNECT and DG ENER collaborating to advance the Digitalisation of Energy Strategy while aligning it with AI-driven innovations?
• What role do the energy data space and AI play in driving interoperability across sectors like energy, mobility, and buildings?
• How can AI analyse and utilise vast data sets to optimise energy systems, reduce emissions, and increase operational efficiency?
• In what ways do the EU AI Act and related frameworks ensure that AI technologies in the energy sector are ethical, sustainable, and secure?
• What are the emerging trends in digital and AI technologies that can further accelerate the clean energy transition, and how can public-private partnerships foster innovation?

Moderator:

• Sue Arundale, Director General, European Federation of Engineering Consultancy Associations (confirmed)

Speakers:

• Vincent Berrutto, Head of Unit, Digitalisation, Competitiveness, Research and Innovation, DG ENER, European Commission (confirmed)
• Max Lemke, Head of Unit, Internet of Things, DG CONNECT, European Commission (confirmed)
• Juan Azcárate Luxán, Deputy Director General of Energy and Climate Change, Madrid City Council (confirmed)
• Jeremy Rollison, Senior Director and Head of EU Policy, Microsoft (confirmed)

Buildings are responsible for a significant share of the EU’s energy consumption and carbon emissions. This session will explore how better planning, policies, support and renewable energy solutions can enhance energy efficiency in buildings, contributing to the EU’s climate and energy goals. Discussions will focus on innovative strategies, policies such as the European Affordable Housing Plan, and the Electrification Action Plan to drive sustainable urban transformation. The panel will highlight the role of stakeholders in advancing energy-efficient building practices as well as addressing the challenges and opportunities in implementing renewable technologies in the housing sector, ensuring accessibility and affordability for all.

• How can renewable energy sources be integrated into building design and operation to maximise energy efficiency?
• What is the role of the European Affordable Housing Plan and Electrification Action Plan in supporting energy-efficient building initiatives?
• How can local governments, private sector players, and EU bodies collaborate to scale energy-efficient solutions in urban areas?
• How can public funding, such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), be effectively utilised to accelerate the integration of renewable energy technologies in buildings while ensuring these initiatives remain accessible, inclusive, and beneficial across all EU Member States?
• What are the best practices and success stories from leading cities and companies in promoting energy efficiency in buildings?
• How can smart buildings and early energy planning processes enable energy efficiency?
• How can policies and funding mechanisms further accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions in the building sector?

Moderator:

• Richard Folland, Head of Policy andEngagement, Carbon Tracker Initiative (confirmed)

Speakers:

• MEP Nicolás González Casares, Group S&D, Member of ITRE Committee, European Parliament (confirmed)
• Maria Teresa Fabregas Fernandez, Director, Recovery and Resilience Task Force (RECOVER), European Commission (confirmed)
• Ella Havnevik Giske, Senior Advisor, Climate Agency, City of Oslo (confirmed)
• Representative, Industry (tbc)

• MEP Christophe Clergeau, Vice-Chair of S&D Group, Member of ENVI Committee, European Parliament (confirmed)

To meet the EU’s ambitious climate targets, the industrial sector must undergo a comprehensive transformation. This session will explore strategies to decarbonise energy-intensive industries while maintaining competitiveness and fostering innovation. Experts will discuss key pathways, including the adoption of renewable fuels such as hydrogen and biomethane, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies, and advancements in fusion and nuclear energy, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

The session will emphasise the importance of technology neutrality in achieving these goals, ensuring that various solutions are deployed to support diverse industrial needs. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming challenges such as cost, scalability, and regulatory alignment while positioning Europe as a global leader in sustainable industrial practices.

• How can technology neutrality be integrated into EU policy to drive innovation and decarbonisation in heavy industries?
• What role will renewable fuels play in the clean energy transition, particularly in hard-to-electrify sectors?
• How can CCS technologies be scaled and deployed to complement renewable solutions?
• What is the potential of fusion energy and SMRs in supporting Europe’s net-zero industrial transformation?
• What financial and policy frameworks are required to encourage investments in next-generation energy solutions?

Moderator:

• William Glucroft, Deputy Editor, The Parliament Magazine (confirmed)

Speakers:

• MEP Andrea Wechsler, Group EPP, Member of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee, European Parliament (confirmed)
• Stefaan Vergote, Senior Advisor, Innovation for a Low Carbon, Resilient Economy, DG CLIMA, European Commission (confirmed)
• Corinna Grajetzky, European Affairs Director, Engie (confirmed)
• Annalisa Muccioli, Head of Research and Technological Innovation, Eni (confirmed)

Europe’s transition to a renewable-driven energy system requires a modernised grid capable of managing variability, decentralisation, and the integration of diverse energy sources. Achieving energy independence and meeting ambitious climate targets hinges on deploying next-generation grid technologies that enhance flexibility, resilience, and scalability.

This session will explore the role of cutting-edge technologies like AI, smart grids, and energy storage in transforming Europe’s grid infrastructure. Discussions will delve into demand-side management, sector coupling, hybrid energy systems, and the policies and investments required to ensure that grid modernisation accelerates Europe’s clean energy transition while maintaining security and competitiveness.

• How can Europe modernise its grid infrastructure to accommodate the growing prominence of renewable energy sources while ensuring stability and efficiency?
• What role do AI, smart grids, and advanced energy storage solutions play in addressing challenges such as variability, decentralisation, and resilience?
• How can hybrid systems integrating renewable electricity and renewable gases like hydrogen enhance grid flexibility and support energy-intensive sectors?
• What changes to EU policies and regulatory frameworks are essential to support grid modernisation and ensure long-term energy independence?
• How can Europe strengthen its industrial value chain for renewable grid technologies, fostering innovation, job creation, and economic growth?

Moderator:

• Alessandro Torello, Director, Brussels, Rud Pedersen (confirmed)

Speakers:

• MEP Barry Cowen, Group Renew Europe, Member of the AGRI Committee, European Parliament (confirmed)
• Paula Rey García, Acting Head of Unit for Renewables and Energy System Integration Policy, DG ENER, European Commission (confirmed)
• Mihai Tomescu, Expert – Energy and Environment, European Environment Agency (confirmed)
• Shima Mousavi Gargari, Corporate Innovation Manager, TenneT (confirmed)
• Aliene van der Veen, Energy System Digitalisation Expert, TNO (confirmed)
• Simon Bushell, CEO, Sympower (confirmed)

• Aušrinė Vitkutė, Cities Mission Coordinator, City of Vilnius (confirmed)

Energy storage is a cornerstone of Europe’s clean energy transition, addressing the challenges of intermittency, ensuring grid reliability, and advancing strategic autonomy. As Europe accelerates the integration of renewable energy sources, innovative storage technologies, along with renewable gases such as hydrogen and biomethane, are critical to maintaining system flexibility and resilience.

This panel will explore the latest advancements in energy storage, the role of renewable gases in system flexibility, and how EU policies and regulatory frameworks support these technologies. It will also examine how these innovations contribute to Europe’s energy security, decarbonisation goals, and competitiveness, strengthening the EU’s resilience in the green and digital transitions.

• How can energy storage technologies be scaled to meet the growing demands of renewable energy integration and enhance grid stability?
• What role do renewable gases like hydrogen and biomethane play in providing long-term energy storage and system flexibility?
• How do EU policies and regulations facilitate energy storage solutions, and what further measures are needed to support their deployment?
• How can integrating renewable gases with renewable electricity enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy and energy security?
• What are the economic and strategic benefits of advancing energy storage technologies for the EU, and how can they contribute to the green transition?

Moderator:                  

• Daniel Vig, Senior Policy Officer, European Association of Storage for Energy

Speakers:

• Julia Majewska, Case Handler, DG Competition, European Commission (confirmed)
• Thomas Bjørdal, CEO of the Norwegian Renewable Energy Cluster RENERGY and Project Manager of the Mid Norway Hydrogen Valley NORHyWAY (confirmed)
• Dr-Ing. Timm Kuhlmann, Head of Department, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (confirmed)
• Representative, Industry (tbc)

• Camille Vachet, Sustainability Advocate, #SustainablePublicAffairs (confirmed)