The two-day IENE conference, 14th SE Europe Energy Dialogue (14th SEEED), held in a hybrid format in Thessaloniki, concludes today, Friday, May 26. The conference brought together speakers from 14 countries in SE Europe and the wider region, as well as influential international organizations and institutes like the IEA and the Oxford Institute of Energy StudiesThe presence of regulatory bodies like RAE further underscores the significance of the conference. The conference focused on the vital role played by SE Europe in ensuring energy security for the entire European continent, particularly in light of recent geopolitical developments.
A large number of delegates coming from Greece, SE Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean participated in the conference, both in-person and online. Among them were top executives of major energy companies, professionals, and experts from various energy sectors, senior government officials, and academics. The conference's reach extended to a wide range of individuals, reflecting the diverse and extensive interest in the event.
A total of 64 speakers participated in this year's SE Europe Energy Dialogue, reaffirming its position as one the leading energy event in the region. These speakers delved into recent developments spanning the entire spectrum of the energy sector. The 14th SEEED explored the following themes in detail:
- Global and regional energy scene
- Geopolitics and energy security in SE Europe
- The strategic role of natural gas and LNG
- Exploration and production of hydrocarbons in SE Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean
- Regional electricity networks and energy trading
- Competition in the electricity and natural gas markets
- Power Exchanges in SE Europe
- Renewable energy sources (RES) and hydrogen
- Energy efficiency and co-generation
- Energy investments in SE Europe
- Transportation outlook: refining, green fuels, electric vehicles, LNG
The conference placed particular emphasis on the energy transition in the SE Europe region, exploring topics such as decarbonization in power generation and the implementation of CCUS technologies in conjunction with hydrogen. Additionally, there was significant discussion about the necessity to improve and upgrade electricity grids in order to facilitate greater penetration of renewable energy sources together with the utilization of energy storage systems.
The notable features of this year's SEEED included a special Ambassadors' Forum, which involved the participation of ambassadors and top diplomats, showcasing the international interest in energy developments in SE Europe. Additionally, the "Country Reports from SE Europe" offered detailed presentations for all the countries in the region, providing essential context for comprehending the energy dynamics. The conference also underscored the geopolitical aspect of the current energy crisis, with a dedicated session on Geopolitics and Energy Security in SE Europe.
The 14th SEE Energy Dialogue was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Regulatory Authority of Energy (RAE).
Main sponsors of the 14th SEE Energy Dialogue were HELLENiQ ENERGY, the Hellenic Energy Exchange (EnEx), and the law firm KG Law. The supporters included the companies Elpedison, Energean, Exist, SEleNe CC, EnSCo, HEREMA, DEPA Commercial, TERNA Energy, and ADMIE. Media sponsors included the energy portal Energia.gr, the NE Global website, Energypress and SeeNews.
