This year’s Sustainable Energy Week brought together a diverse community of experts, policymakers and other stakeholders to collaboratively chart the course for developing resilient energy systems in pursuit of a fair energy transition. It featured targeted discussions, sharing of experiences, formulation of recommendations, and presentations highlighting country policies and actions to accelerate a just transition across the UNECE region.
The week included several in-person meetings including:
- 12th session of the Group of Experts on Energy Efficiency
- 21st session of the Group of Experts on Cleaner Electricity Systems
- 12th session of the Group of Experts on Renewable Energy
- 34th session of the Committee on Sustainable Energy
Key insights from UNECE Sustainable Energy Week 2025
Twin transition for digitalisation considerations
Digitalisation is driving transformation: environmental and technical pressures are accelerating digital innovation (e.g., smart wells, fibre optic sensing, methane monitoring, 3D geological modelling) to improve safety, transparency and efficiency, especially in oil, gas, and coal value chains.
Emerging low-carbon pathways: major energy companies are pursuing carbon capture and storage (CCS/CCUS), biofuels/hydrogen, and renewables, but face high costs, fragmented supply chains, and policy challenges. Digitalisation and AI are seen as key enablers for scaling solutions like hydrogen and CCUS, especially in hard-to-abate sectors.
Supporting energy efficiency improvements and decarbonisation in industry
Unlocking energy efficiency requires overcoming barriers: adoption is hindered by limited awareness, weak project management, fragmented supply chains, and financing challenges—especially for retrofits
Systematic efficiency and digitalisation are essential: green procurement, innovative financing, and digital tools that connect stakeholders are critical to scaling low-carbon solutions and transforming industry practices
Tracking progress in the uptake of renewable energy: focus on biogas and biomethane
Policy priorities and innovation are crucial for scaling: there is an urgent need for clear roadmaps, transparent carbon accounting, integrated supply chains and innovation to close cost gaps and support the scaling up for bioenergy technologies
Global biogas potential is concentrated in emerging markets: while around 80% of untapped biogas potential lies in emerging economies, Europe leads in biomethane development (production and infrastructure—Denmark, for example, has achieved a 40% biomethane share and aims for 100% by 2030
Ipieca is looking forward to continuing engagement with UNECE, and contributing to the next Sustainable Energy Week. Read more about Ipieca’s work on climate here.
Click here for more information, presentations and documents from UNECE Sustainable Energy Week 2025.
