Each year, the Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) provides industry professionals with a unique opportunity to discover the latest innovations and best ideas for creating a sustainable future in Europe. This year, it was also the first time that I participated as a visitor only, the first time that I returned to Brussels since my departure for Turin, my career shift and my ‘European tour’, discovering the best practices for the fight against energy poverty. It was also the perfect occasion to catch up with old friends and former colleagues!
2018 was an excellent vintage, I learned a lot thanks to groundbreaking sessions, fascinating projects, inspiring speakers and a very committed audience. Big thumbs up to the organizers and the participants!
I was pleasantly surprised to see so many events focusing on energy poverty and vulnerable consumers, on communities and engagement strategies, and how to make energy efficiency and sustainability available to the largest number. The circular economy is gaining attention, electric mobility is critical, and so is the role of business in providing solutions, that’s good!
Let’s think about 2019!
So next year, I hope to see even more consumer-centric sessions, but maybe not only from the residential sector: SMEs, micro SMEs, and very small businesses have a critical role to play (99,6% of all businesses in the EU and 67% of total employment!).
I also wish we’ll see and hear more cross-sectoral innovative discussions, for instance about waste and water management, animal farming (14.5% of all human-caused greenhouse releases!) and agriculture, transport and smart cities.
What about opening up to the rest of the world? There are so many inspiring initiatives overseas – there is no planet B, after all…
And let’s hear the views of the GAFA, now engaging in energy efficiency, solar PVdistribution.
Let’s get ready for a sustainable future!
