The AIEN International Energy Summit is always a highlight, and this year we visited the stunning city of Istanbul. We had brilliant speakers, tough questions, honest conversations, and one of the most memorable settings I’ve ever experienced for an awards dinner.

There was a lot to take in over two days, but a few sessions really stood out. The panel on developing nations and the energy trilemma was one of the highlights for me, as the speakers discussed the balance between ensuring their country’s population has access to energy while not disregarding their sustainability and net-zero commitments. The speakers brought real experience and perspective, and it was clear that while the challenges are complex, the will to solve them is strong.

The session on global energy demand was another highlight, looking at how different the drivers are around the world, from Europe’s shift in policy focus, to Latin America’s interest in revenues and jobs. 

We also heard some honest reflections on carbon capture and storage (CCS), what’s working, what’s not, and how much urgency there really is. 

And then there was the Awards Dinner, held in the incredible Binbirdirek Cistern. It’s hard to put into words how stunning the venue was. Atmospheric, historic, unique, it was the perfect place to celebrate some of the most impactful work happening across the energy industry today.

This year’s dinner also marked a special moment for John Bridges, AIEN’s Executive Director, who will retire later this month. There was a well-deserved tribute to John during the evening, a chance to recognise everything he has done for AIEN and for the international energy community throughout a remarkable career.

I left Istanbul feeling energised (no pun intended), grateful to be part of such a thoughtful and global community, and already looking forward to next year.

---

Please click here to find out more about BCM Global Energy PR Company

Related Posts