Summit in London: Tensions over the role of renewable energy in global energy security

In London, global officials gather to discuss energy security amid rising geopolitical tensions. Disagreements persist on the role of renewable energy in meeting global demand.

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A summit on energy security, co-chaired by the United Kingdom and the International Energy Agency (IEA), began in London on April 24, 2025. The event brings together over 120 government officials, business leaders, and experts to discuss the future of global energy supply amid conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Energy security, a global strategic issue, is the subject of intense debates on how to balance energy transition with growing energy demands. While the IEA, founded after the 1974 oil shock, emphasizes the energy transition, some countries and organizations question the speed of this transition. The issue of balancing renewable and fossil energy sources, considering financial accessibility and project feasibility, remains a point of contention.

Disagreements on renewables

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has welcomed the summit, highlighting the importance of focusing on energy security. The cartel, which remains skeptical of the transition to cleaner energy, criticizes the IEA’s proposed carbon neutrality targets as unrealistic. According to OPEC, energy security should involve a mix of different energy sources, not a replacement of fossil fuels with renewables. On its part, the IEA stresses the importance of renewable energy and nuclear power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate price volatility.

Discreet American presence

The London summit also marks the absence of some major global players, including China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. The United States will be represented by interim deputy secretaries of state, a representation considered insufficient by some observers. This absence raises questions about America’s commitment, particularly after Donald Trump’s statements advocating for increased oil and gas drilling. Trump has also expressed opposition to the expansion of wind energy projects, preferring an approach focused on fossil fuel production.

Impact on the IEA’s agenda

The IEA, led by Fatih Birol, has moderated its rhetoric in recent months. In an effort not to antagonize the United States and OPEC, the agency seems to be adopting a more balanced approach, seeking to maintain its role as a reference point for energy security while accommodating various interests. This desire to reconcile different players in the energy sector could redefine its role in the coming years.

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