47 governments endorse energy efficiency at IEA Brussels conference

Ministers from 47 governments issued a joint statement at the 10th IEA Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Brussels, endorsing efficiency as a core driver of secure, sustainable energy systems. The declaration operationalizes the COP28 pledge to double energy efficiency progress by 2030, signaling regulatory alignment and clean-technology investment opportunities for ESG stakeholders.

At the 10th International Energy Agency (IEA) Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Brussels, ministers and officials from 47 governments issued a joint statement endorsing energy efficiency as a core driver of affordable, secure, and sustainable energy systems. The declaration operationalises the COP28 pledge to double energy efficiency progress by 2030. The conference brought together nearly 700 participants from close to 100 countries, co-chaired by European Commissioner Dan Jørgensen and IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, with support from the Energy Efficiency Movement, reaffirming efficiency as the first fuel for lowering emissions and bills.

Governments, industry, buildings, industrial facilities and electricity networks are affected. Ministers pledged to embed energy efficiency into national strategies and place people at the centre of the clean energy transition, ensuring policies are equitable and leave no one behind. They highlighted the urgency of digitalising energy systems, particularly in buildings, industrial facilities, and electricity networks, to accelerate efficiency gains and modernisation. Commissioner Jørgensen noted the EU's push to prioritise efficiency, calling the cleanest and cheapest energy the energy not used, vital to affordability and energy security.

ESG stakeholders should monitor increasing regulatory alignment, investment opportunities in clean technologies, and the shift toward equitable, resilient energy systems. The IEA will continue monitoring national progress through its Energy Efficiency Progress Tracker, supporting countries in evaluating policy impact and refining measures. Affected entities should reference the IEA's updated Energy Efficiency Policy Toolkit and the report Gaining an Edge on competitiveness, building on the International Summit on the Future of Energy Security that stressed demand-side measures for more stable energy supply across national strategies.

Key figure — Joint statement signatories: ministers from 47 governments at the IEA Brussels conference