World Leaders at London Summit Declare "New Era" for Global Energy Security
The Future of Energy Security Summit concluded at Lancaster House in London this week, marking a major moment of international cooperation as leaders from 60 governments and more than 50 global energy companies gathered to chart a path for securing the world’s evolving energy systems.
Co-hosted by the UK Government and the International Energy Agency (IEA), the two-day event came at a time of mounting geopolitical tensions, rising energy demand, and rapid technological change. In a strong signal of renewed partnership, participants agreed that the definition of energy security must now expand well beyond oil and gas to include cybersecurity, clean energy supply chains, and resilient electricity systems.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, who co-chaired the event alongside UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband, emphasised the importance of international cooperation. “The solutions – whether technical, political, or financial – will be more effective if pursued together,” he said.
Opening the summit, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for greater collective action, highlighting the need to protect consumers from market volatility while delivering clean, affordable energy for all.
Throughout the summit, leaders stressed the need for a "holistic approach" to energy security that reflects today's interconnected challenges. Alongside safeguarding traditional energy supplies, participants discussed strengthening grids, ensuring critical mineral access, tackling cyber threats, and expanding access to electricity and clean cooking worldwide.
Addressing delegates, Ed Miliband highlighted the UK’s determination to lead on energy security through initiatives such as a £300 million investment in domestic offshore wind supply chains and a major new carbon capture project expected to create 2,000 skilled jobs. "In a changing and uncertain world, Britain is determined to strengthen our alliances and double down on our commitment to multilateralism," he said.
The Chairs’ Summary reinforced the growing role of clean technologies — such as wind, solar, nuclear, and battery storage — in protecting nations from fossil fuel price shocks. However, leaders also acknowledged that fossil fuels will continue to play a role for the foreseeable future, especially in hard-to-abate sectors, stressing the need for responsible resource management and workforce transition strategies.
Technology and innovation featured prominently across discussions. Delegates flagged both the potential of AI and digitalisation to enhance energy resilience, and the need for greater safeguards against cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure.
Finally, the summit spotlighted the growing geopolitical significance of clean energy supply chains, with a shared understanding that resilience in mining, processing, and manufacturing will be crucial for global energy security going forward.
The London summit closed with a sense of urgency and collaboration — and a shared commitment to building a safer, cleaner, and more resilient global energy future.