IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol and Ireland's Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien today announced they will co-host the IEA's 12th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, to be held at Dublin Castle on 24-25 May 2027.
Following recent editions in Versailles, Nairobi, Brussels and Montreal - each bringing together around 600 participants from some 100 countries - the Dublin conference will convene senior representatives from government, business and finance, alongside thought leaders from around the world.
The conference comes at a critical moment for the energy sector as countries around the world reassess their energy strategies amid the impacts of the Strait of Hormuz crisis. This year's shock, on top of the 2022 crisis linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have put pressure on consumers and economies globally at the same time as severe weather events are placing additional strain on energy systems. Against this backdrop, improvements in energy efficiency offer countries a powerful way to reduce exposure to market volatility, bring down energy bills and strengthen resilience - while bolstering energy security and industrial competitiveness.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said: "Recent energy shocks have underscored just how fundamental secure and affordable energy is to people's lives and our economies. Energy efficiency has a vital role to play in building more resilient energy systems - easing supply strains while helping households and businesses lower their bills. Our 2027 Global Conference in Dublin will be the next major milestone in the IEA's work with governments to turn the enormous potential of energy efficiency into real-world impacts. I would like to warmly thank the government of Ireland for hosting our Global Conference, and I look forward to working closely with Minister O'Brien to bring leaders from around the world together in Dublin next year to accelerate action."
Ireland's Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien said: "As Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, I am delighted to jointly co-host with the International Energy Agency in Dublin Castle next year, the 12th Global International Energy Conference. During our Presidency of the EU Council, and here today in Dublin Castle, Ireland is driving forward the EU's energy agenda to enhance energy efficiency, security and speed up the deployment of renewables. As part of our Presidency, we will focus on how electrification will bring about affordability for our citizens, businesses and homes and we will work together to make energy more efficient, more reliant and more secure for generations to come. I look forward to hosting and welcoming you all to the next IEA Energy Efficiency Conference in Dublin next year and continuing the very important conversations we start here today."
At the 2026 Global Conference in Montreal, ministers pledged to harness the full potential of energy efficiency to build long-term resilience against future energy shocks, calling for it to become a cornerstone of energy policy. The 2027 conference in Dublin will turn the focus from ambition to delivery: how governments and businesses can translate stronger policies into tangible results.
The Dublin edition will combine high-level panels and thematic discussions with closed-door sessions, a youth award and opportunities to build new partnerships. Discussions will examine how energy efficiency can help countries respond to energy crises, strengthen energy security and build more resilient energy systems. The conference will also take on some of the fastest-moving developments shaping global energy trends - from emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation and data centres to more established ones such as buildings and industrial sectors.
A central focus will be how to turn policy commitments into impact. Adopting a policy is only the beginning of the journey: delivering results will require sustained engagement with businesses, local authorities, financial institutions and consumers.
The IEA's 12th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency will take place on 24 and 25 May 2027 at Dublin Castle. Attendance will be by invitation only, with conference materials made available afterwards. Further information on the programme, speakers, youth award and participation will be announced in the coming months on the conference website.
