European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) /Conference targets net-zero solutions for a competitive Europe

The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), Europe's largest annual gathering focusing on renewables and efficient energy use, is set to make a powerful return with its 18th edition under the title, ‘Net-zero energy solutions for a competitive Europe’.

From 11 to 13 June 2024, the conference will take place both online and onsite in Brussels including a high-level policy conference, presentation of sustainable energy awards, European Youth Energy Day, and an Energy Fair offering valuable networking opportunities.

Ahead of the event, the organisers are calling on leading experts and innovators to submit policy session proposals for the conference (deadline 19 January 2024), and for applications for the EUSEW Awards, honouring sustainable energy heroes (deadline 1 February 2024).

Organisers describe the EUSEW Policy Conference as more than just a series of informative sessions, developing over the years into “a convergence of energy-conscious minds, a space for networking and collaboration that extends beyond geographical boundaries”. Participants, whether onsite in Brussels or joining online, will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and organisations, fostering relationships that drive progress in the field of sustainable energy.

Calling on clean energy experts

The call for policy session proposals is open until 19 January 2024, inviting thought leaders, industry experts, and innovators to contribute with their insights and expertise to the discourse on sustainable energy. Sessions, organised by the European Commission and selected key energy stakeholders, will delve into new policy developments, best practices, and innovative ideas in the pursuit of a sustainable energy future, towards set goals such as the REPowerEU Plan, reaching climate-neutrality by 2050 as part of delivering the European Green Deal, and having a strategy for sustainable growth with a focus on competitiveness.

EUSEW Awards: honouring sustainable energy heroes

The EUSEW Awards will honour outstanding individuals and projects for their innovation and efforts in the field of energy efficiency and renewables (see the 2023 award winners’ videos here). Applications for the EUSEW Awards in the categories of Innovation, Local Energy Action and Woman in Energy are open until 1 February 2024.

The EUSEW Innovation Award recognises ongoing or recently-completed EU-funded projects that demonstrate original work towards the clean energy transition, together with tangible real-world results. This award also inspires others to replicate and implement similar solutions across the EU, providing social, economic and environmental benefits.

The Local Energy Action Award embodies the idea of ‘Think globally – act locally’ to unleash lasting and effective change in the energy transition. From smart cities decarbonising their energy sources to community-funded projects covering renewable energy, the judging panel is looking for local and regional initiatives helping to drive the transition to sustainable energy across Europe.

For the clean energy transition to be successful it must also be inclusive. The Woman in Energy Award promotes both equality and sustainability, highlighting women who are leading ground-breaking projects and activities impacting the field of renewable energy and underlining the value of equal opportunities and gender balance within the energy sector.

European Youth Energy Day: sustainable energy champions of the future

One of the conference’s highlights is the European Youth Energy Day, where young Europeans between the ages of 18 and 34 will come together to share their visions for transforming Europe into the first climate-neutral continent, bringing their ideas, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to inspire change and innovation.

Conference details:

    What: European Sustainable Energy Week 2024
    When: 11-13 June 2024
    Where: Hybrid format - Online and in Brussels (European Commission’s Charlemagne building and Martin’s Brussels EU Hotel)

Why attend:

    Explore sustainable energy issues, policy developments, and best practices.
    Network with industry leaders and like-minded professionals.
    Celebrate outstanding contributions at the EUSEW Awards.
    Join the European Youth Energy Day to be part of the conversation on climate-neutral transformation.
    Visit the Energy Fair in Brussels to meet other professionals advancing net-zero solutions, learn about their projects and exchange the latest insights in the field.

Those unable to take part in the activities in Brussels can discover or register their own online and physical Sustainable Energy Days events taking place around the world, engaging local communities between March and June 2024.