The IEA 9th Annual Global conference on Energy Efficiency, held in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 21 and 22, 2024, was aimed at accelerating progress towards doubling energy efficiency progress, which is a critical goal for COP28
In charting a 1.5 degree pathway for the world’s energy transition, the IEA had estimated that to meet the target, energy efficiency improvements need to deliver more than 40% of the required reductions in energy related emissions. This underscores the importance of energy efficiency as a key strategy in global efforts to combat climate change and transition to a sustainable energy future.
The just concluded International Energy Agency (IEA) 9th annual global conference on Energy Efficiency which was held on the 21 and 22 of May 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya particularly aimed at accelerating doubling energy efficiency progress.
Notably, It is the first IEA conference hosted by an African country. This acknowledges Kenya’s leadership in clean energy both regionally and globally as well as the critical role the continent will play in energy revolution. The European commissioner for energy, Kadri Simson stated that this was the first IEA annual event held outside Europe, she noted that the conference being hosted by Kenya is a strong signal of how important the continent is in the energy revolution.
Co-hosted by Kenya’s cabinet secretary of Energy and Petroleum, Davis Chirchir and executive director of IEA Dr. Fatih Birol, this global conference brought over 500 participants from over 60 countries to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.
The conference was focused on accelerating progress towards doubling energy efficiency progress by 2030 as outlined in commitments made at COP 28.
“Doubling energy efficiency progress is both desirable and necessary and indeed possible” said Brian Motherway, Head of energy efficiency and inclusive transitions, IEA.
He further stated that this year’s conference was to make the global ambition of doubling energy efficiency possible and a reality.
The two day conference was characterized by focused panel discussions, interactive workshops and informative sessions by energy efficiency leaders across public and private sectors, with its participants shedding light on innovative approaches, policy frameworks, and technological advancements aimed at advancing energy efficiency goals. Success stories from various regions and industries were shared, highlighting effective energy efficiency measures and their tangible impacts.
Several groundbreaking approaches were mentioned during these sessions, ranging from; Digitalization and smart technologies, building retrofitting programs, energy efficiency in transportation, industrial efficiency, capacity building, knowledge sharing, policy and regulatory frameworks.
At the ministerial high level opening ceremony, His excellency Rigathi Gachagua the deputy president of Kenya, opened the global conference.
Dr Fatih Birol in his keynote address, highlighted the urgency and importance of energy efficiency in the global fight against climate change, he highlighted the critical role of energy efficiency and it’s economic and environmental benefits.
Dr. Birol called on all participating countries and stakeholders to double their efforts in energy efficiency by IEA’s commitments at COP28. He also reaffirmed the IEA’s commitments to supporting global energy efficiency initiatives.
As the conference came to a close, Davis Chirchir, cabinet secretary, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of Kenya, and Dr. Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), thanked all participants for their continued efforts to raise the profile of energy proficiency in decision- making.
In a recent report by the IEA following the 9th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, the IEA reaffirmed several key commitments to advancing energy efficiency globally.
- The IEA emphasized its dedication to providing robust analysis, advice, and monitoring to support governments, industries, and other stakeholders in implementing effective energy efficiency policies.
- It announced the introduction of a new Energy Efficiency Progress Tracker, designed to help governments track progress towards the COP28 goal of doubling energy efficiency by 2030, offering comprehensive data and historical trends.
Additionally, the IEA committed to facilitating international cooperation and the exchange of best practices, as well as focusing on skills development and capacity building to ensure successful policy implementation and finally, the IEA pledged to continue convening annual global conferences to maintain momentum and encourage collaborative efforts towards achieving global energy efficiency targets.
The IEA’s 9th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Nairobi underscored the critical importance of energy efficiency in the global fight against climate change especially in Africa which bears a great deal of the climate change brunt. With Kenya setting a remarkable example and the IEA’s steadfast commitments, the pathway towards a sustainable energy future is clearer than ever. As nations collaborate and innovate, the shared vision of a resilient, efficient, and low-carbon world is increasingly within reach. The continued efforts and collective action of all stakeholders will be essential in turning this vision into reality.
