On 20-22 June 2023, the European Sustainable Energy Week 2023 (EUSEW) proved once more to be Europe’s biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use. Organised by the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and the Directorate-General for Energy, EUSEW 2023 brought together civil society organisations, policymakers, firms and innovators to accelerate the transition to clean, secure, and efficient energy.

The three day-long event, officially kicked off with an inspiring opening ceremony, featuring esteemed speakers such as Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy, Ebba Busch, Minister for Energy, Business, and Industry of Sweden, Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Olga Malinkiewicz, Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer of Saule Technologies, and Emma Wiesner, MEP. Their presence emphasised the importance of collaboration and dedication in driving the energy transition forward.

Following the opening ceremony, the European Sustainable Energy Ceremony Awards celebrated outstanding individuals and projects in the fields of energy efficiency and renewables. Winners were announced in three categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action, and Woman in Energy. These awards recognised the remarkable contributions made by these individuals and projects towards creating a sustainable and resilient future.

However, the core of the EUSEW 2023 was no other than the Policy Conference, a vibrant platform where a total of 407 experts, policymakers, and stakeholders converged to discuss sustainable energy issues, share best practices, and debate new policy developments. Under the theme of “Accelerating the clean energy transition – towards lower bills and greater skills”, the conference explored innovative solutions and strategies to achieve Europe’s energy and climate goals. The conference also provided invaluable networking opportunities, fostering connections within the EUSEW participants and inspiring collaboration for a greener future.

In parallel, to the Policy Conference, the Energy Fair served as an interactive and immersive experience for participants. This vibrant platform allowed attendees to engage with topics of interest, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore exhibition stands featuring SMEs, start-ups, industry associations, and more. The Energy Fair facilitated deep social connections and information-sharing, serving as a catalyst for future collaborations and the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices.

Another insightful feature of the EUSWE 2023, was the fourth European Youth Energy Day, which gathered young minds aged 18-34 to share their ideas on transforming Europe into the first climate-neutral continent. Their energy, passion, and fresh perspectives injected a renewed sense of urgency and purpose into the discussions, reminding us of the importance of intergenerational cooperation in tackling the climate crisis.

In addition to the main event, EUSEW 2023 inspired Sustainable Energy Days across Europe. These initiatives across various countries further emphasized the importance of localized efforts and grassroots movements in driving sustainable energy solutions. From workshops and seminars to community-led projects, these events fostered a sense of collective responsibility and empowerment, amplifying the impact of EUSEW beyond the conference itself.

If you are passionate about accelerating the transition to clean, secure, and efficient energy, EUSEW is an unmissable event. With a special focus on the skills needed for Europe’s energy transition in the context of the European Year of Skills, EUSEW 2023 served as a platform to meet stakeholders, learn from successful policies, and inspire innovation towards meeting the EU’s energy and climate goals.

A warm thank you to EUSEW 2023, for all the enthusiasm, knowledge, and collaborations triggered during this event will continue to drive the clean energy revolution forward. Together, we can create a sustainable and resilient future for Europe and the world. Let’s embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and build a brighter, greener future together.