As Europe faces unprecedented challenges to its energy infrastructure, the Rethinking European Energy Security (REES) Conference will convene leading thinkers in energy science, geopolitics, environmental policy, and economic strategy to discuss the urgent and complex realities of securing Europe’s energy future. The event will highlight both scientific insights and geopolitical considerations essential to understanding the intricate balance between energy independence, economic resilience, environmental responsibility, and national sovereignty.
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Doors Open 15:00 - 15:30
Opening remarks from Ed Biggins, Head of Research at IDRN
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Panel 1 15:30 - 16:30
The Science of Energy Security – Nuclear, Hydrogen, and Resource Constraints
This panel will focus on the technical and scientific aspects of Europe’s current and potential energy solutions. Experts will discuss the role of nuclear energy in a sustainable and secure energy mix, addressing both the scientific advancements and the supply chain challenges, such as resource scarcity (e.g., lithium limitations). The discussion will also cover the potential of hydrogen, with insights into its applications in maritime industries and beyond.
- Hydrogen as a transformative energy solution for industry and transport.
- Nuclear Energy: tripling global nuclear capacity, and its impacts on resources, and geopolitical considerations on the global fuel cycle.
- Addressing resource constraints, including the supply of other critical materials like lithium and copper.
Cédric Philibert
Moderator
Julio Quintela Casal
panelist
Annabelle Livet
Panelist
Franco Michel-Sendis
Panelist
Speakers
Cédric Philibert
Julio Quintela Casal
Annabelle Livet
Franco Michel-Sendis
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Break 16:30 - 16:45
Short refreshment break and informal networking
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Panel 2 16:45 - 17:45
Geopolitical Realities of European Energy Independence
Addressing the intersection of energy security and national sovereignty, this panel will explore Europe’s vulnerabilities in global energy markets and the geopolitical strategies needed to mitigate these risks. Topics will include the implications of the Ukraine conflict, the strategic importance of resource self-sufficiency, and how alliances and dependencies impact Europe’s ability to sustain an independent energy future.
- Europe’s vulnerabilities in global energy markets.
- Strategic alliances and resource self-sufficiency.
- Geopolitical lessons from recent conflicts, including the Ukraine crisis.
Andrea Rocio Limon
Moderator
Dr Adina Revol
panelist
Fabien Galle
Panelist
Dr Lukasz Jurczyszyn
Panelist
Speakers
Andrea Rocio Limon
Dr Adina Revol
Fabien Galle
Dr Lukasz Jurczyszyn
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Break 17:45 - 18:00
Short refreshment break and informal networking
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Roundtable 18:00 - 19:00
The Economic and Environmental Future of European Energy Security
In this interactive roundtable, thought leaders and attendees will discuss the economic and environmental dimensions of Europe’s energy security goals. This session will consider the investments needed for energy resilience, the economic impacts of new energy policies, and the potential environmental trade-offs as Europe seeks to balance sustainability with security. Speakers will explore the economic feasibility of green initiatives alongside national security requirements.
- Exploring technologies and investments like smart grids and automated systems for energy resilience.
- Maintaining economic competitiveness while pursuing carbon neutrality and sustainability goals.
- Addressing energy challenges through partnerships in sectors like engineering, transportation, and policy.
- Driving sustainable transitions through EU policies and overcoming barriers to energy security.
Dr Sophie Méritet
Moderator
Dr Yannick Perez
Speaker
Monika Rukia
Speaker
Simonas Vileikis
Speaker
Speakers
Dr Sophie Méritet
Dr Yannick Perez
Monika Rukia
Simonas Vileikis
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Concluding Remarks 19:00 - 19:15
Closing remarks from Andrea Rocio Limon, Director of IDRN
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Networking Reception 19:15 - 20:00
Light refreshments and beverages and a chance to network with the panelist speakers and moderators.
Event Objectives
The REES Conference will host two panel discussions and one roundtable, each focusing on critical aspects of energy security and featuring insights from experts across academia, industry, and government sectors. The objectives will be to:
Address Technical and Scientific Realities of Energy Security
Explore Geopolitical and National Security Implications
Evaluate Economic and Environmental Trade-Offs
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