Under the theme “Net-zero energy solutions for a competitive Europe,” EUSEW 2024 included seven plenary discussions, more than 60 policy sessions, an Energy Fair and the fifth European Youth Energy Day.
The programme addressed:
- renewable-energy deployment;
- energy efficiency and demand reduction;
- renovation and decarbonisation of buildings;
- electricity grids, storage and flexibility;
- clean-technology manufacturing;
- energy communities and consumer participation;
- skills and employment;
- financing and implementation of EU energy policy.
Main lessons
The conference reinforced several priorities for Europe’s energy transition:
- reducing energy demand remained as important as expanding clean supply;
- building renovation required faster implementation;
- renewable-energy growth needed stronger grids, storage and flexibility;
- European competitiveness depended on innovation, manufacturing capacity and skilled workers;
- citizens, communities and local authorities needed an active role in implementation;
- energy solutions had to remain affordable and support a fair transition.
Practical value
For regional planners, EUSEW 2024 highlighted the importance of assessing hydrogen within the complete energy system. Energy efficiency and direct use of renewable electricity could reduce overall demand, while hydrogen could be considered for applications requiring energy storage, industrial feedstock or alternatives to direct electrification.
Available materials
The EUSEW 2024 archive retained recordings and content from the conference sessions.
The European Commission also published highlights from the final day, which focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy.