IAEE European Conference 2026: Energy Industry Representatives from Around the World Gather in Munich

For five days, Munich served as a gathering place for the international energy industry: From September 6 to 10, 2026, more than 440 participants from over 40 countries and more than 300 institutions came together for the 19th IAEE European Conference. Under the theme “Energy Security, Sustainability & Affordability – Rebalancing the Trilemma,” researchers, representatives from business and politics, and students discussed current challenges and prospects for the energy transition.

Together with the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) and the German Association for Energy Economics (GEE), we at FfE had the privilege of helping to organize the conference. It was a particular pleasure for us to welcome so many experts from around the world to Munich and to create a space for international exchange.

The program offered a wide range of topics: From security of supply, energy prices, and competitiveness to sustainable mobility, industrial decarbonization, and innovations for resilient energy systems, numerous aspects of the energy system’s transformation were explored. High-profile plenary sessions featuring speakers such as Brian Motherway (IEA), Tom Howes (European Commission), Florian Bieberbach (Stadtwerke München/FfE), and Chloé Le Coq provided important impetus for the conference discussions.

But conferences aren’t just about presentations, panels, and specialized sessions. Particularly valuable were the many conversations that took place between program items: discussions over coffee, new connections made over lunch, and spontaneous encounters that may one day lead to joint projects. Researchers, corporate representatives, policymakers, and students used their time in Munich to exchange perspectives, develop ideas further, and discuss solutions for the energy systems of tomorrow.

The social program also offered numerous opportunities for networking. From the welcome reception and gala dinner to technical excursions—such as the one to the Walchensee power plant—there were many opportunities for open and personal exchanges.

As a co-organizer, we look back with gratitude on an inspiring week. Our special thanks go to all the speakers, participants, partner organizations, volunteers, student assistants, and the many colleagues behind the scenes who contributed to the conference’s success.

We are taking away many new contacts, fresh ideas, and valuable insights that will continue to guide our work even after the conference. The strong international participation has once again demonstrated how important dialogue between academia, business, and politics is for shaping the energy transition. We look forward to continuing the discussions we have begun.