UPCOMING EVENT
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UPCOMING EVENT
10 Years After COP21
Looking back at the 2015 Paris meeting, the global energy landscape has undergone drastic changes. At that time, countries were classified based on their contributions to greenhouse gas emissions: declining emitters, such as the U.S. and the EU, growing emitters, including China and India, and low-emission countries. Today, China leads global emissions, accounting for 32%, surpassing the combined emissions of the U.S., the EU, India, and Russia. Although China invests more than any other country in renewable and nuclear energy, its reliance on coal remains alarming, accounting for 61% of its electricity generation. This reflects a model of “energy addition” rather than a true transition.
Electrification is essential for the energy transition, but it faces notable challenges. In Spain, electricity decarbonization reached 80% by 2024, yet electricity consumption has remained flat for 20 years, and barriers for new consumers limit progress. This has kept oil’s share in the primary energy mix at 45%, hindering decarbonization goals. Additionally, the future of nuclear energy in Spain is uncertain, unlike the renewed commitments seen in the UK and France.
Globally, the EU finds itself caught between two major powers: the U.S. and China. The U.S., thanks to fracking, is the world’s largest producer of oil and natural gas, exporting at competitive prices. Meanwhile, China combines heavy coal use with Russian gas imports, ensuring a stable energy supply. This situation places the EU at a disadvantage, with higher energy costs and reliance on external resources.
However, Spain and Portugal have the potential to lead Europe’s electricity supply, provided they improve their infrastructure and institutional trust. Still, events like the April 2025 blackout and increasing institutional distrust cast doubt on their progress.
Climate change remains a pressing challenge that requires worldwide cooperation. While the EU moves toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, many critical technologies are still in the early development stages. Furthermore, events like the potential weakening of the Gulf Stream could lead to devastating consequences. The absence of coordinated international efforts, especially from major emitters such as the U.S. and China, makes the situation even more complicated.
In this context, the energy transition must focus not only on electrification but also on defossilization through vectors like hydrogen and ammonia. History shows that climate has always shaped humanity, and addressing this challenge requires urgent and coordinated action.
Some Conclusions
All of this will be discussed at our next meeting, the 23rd IESE Energy event at IESE.
Our co-organizer:
The 23 IESE Energy Meeting will be held on IESE’s new campus in Madrid
The fees for this meeting:
On Campus: € 1,200
Online: € 400
On Campus: € 1,000
Online: € 400
On Campus: € 850
Online: Free
PAYMENT MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
2024 · The Energy Transition: Be Idealistic! Achieve the Possible!
2023 · Let’s Save the Energy Transition – It’s in Danger!
2022 · Energy Transition: Towards a Holistic Strategy
2021 · The post-COVID Energy Transition: same goals, different policies
2020 · An Industry in Transition
2019 · Dimensions for an Effective Energy Transition
2018 · Game changers in the Global Energy System
2017 · Energy Architecture in Transition
2016 · Human Well-being, Growth and Energy Access: New Governance for a Unique Challenge
2015 · The Future of Energy: Who Calls the Shots?
2014 · Quo Vadis, Europe? Shedding Light on an Energy Policy beyond the Electrical Sector Reform
2013 · A New Energy Policy as a Global Paradigm Shift Emerges
2011 · The Impact of the Energy Policy on the Sector’s Competitiveness
2009 · A Debate on the Spanish Energy Sector
2004 · Energy Liberalization and Consolidation in Europe
2002 · A Shift Towards the Convergence of Energy Markets
2000 · Mergers and Strategic Alliances: The Creation and Conquest of the Future
