Building on the success of the inaugural virtual meeting in 2021, the EDA and the European Commission's Directorate General for Energy (DG ENER) organised the second high-level joint defence and energy conference in Stockholm on 8 and 9 June 2023. This event was hosted under the auspices of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU (SE PCY) and the Ministry of Defence of Sweden (SE MoD).
More than 80 participants were greeted by opening remarks from Adrienne Coyet Folke, Deputy Head of Department for Military Capability and Operations and Jiří Šedivý, Chief Executive, European Defence Agency, through a recorded message. Annika Wäppling Korzinek, Head of European Commission Representation in Sweden, gave a keynote speech.
The agenda featured topics of mutual interest, including how to support the ministries of defence (MoDs) in their efforts to advance sustainable energy. A new study on the impacts of climate change on defence-related critical energy infrastructure was presented. It was prepared jointly by the EDA and the European Commission DG Joint Research Centre (JRC) to provide scientific evidence for policy-making. Furthermore, participants were updated on the EU's actions to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Parallel sessions focused on three key topics: energy efficiency and secure infrastructure, transition to renewable energy, and energy and climate adaptation. The conference also encouraged the exchange of best practices, and promoted the adoption of sustainable, safe, and resilient energy models within the defence and security sector.
Adrienne Coyet Folke, Deputy Head of Department for Military Capability and Operations, Ministry of Defence of Sweden, said that "this is the largest energy and defence network in Europe, which serves as an important platform for ministries of defence, armed forces, and other stakeholders where knowledge, collaboration and innovation projects in sustainable energy are made possible.“ “This is the first time that representatives from the defence and energy sectors gather physically on site and are given the opportunity to make new contacts and create synergies.” She also added that “the conference is valuable as it provides opportunities for further cooperation and solutions to national and common challenges. “
In his welcome address, the EDA Chief Executive, Mr Jiří Šedivý, noted, "with this format, our main focus is to encourage synergies between the EU energy and defence communities, share knowledge and promote sustainable energy in the defence sector and climate adaptation. By shedding light on CF SEDSS activities, we hope to inspire energy sector engagement and support for improving the energy efficiency of our defence sector for a sustainable future." He concluded by acknowledging that “there are still many topics to explore and challenges to address. I hope that this meeting will help you build bridges and start finding solutions together.”
Keynote speech
In her keynote speech, Annika Wäppling Korzinek, Head of European Commission Representation in Sweden, underlined that “The defence and energy sector have the possibility to act, to avoid turning their heads away. They need to endeavour a common effort and establish solid links for allowing the European Union meeting these fundamental objectives of addressing climate change and security of supply.”
New ground-breaking study: Impacts of climate change on defence-related critical energy infrastructure
This innovative EDA-JRC study focuses, for the first time, on the climate change-energy-defence nexus, offering recommendations for EU and MoDs on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The study analyses the impact of climate change on defence-related critical energy infrastructure and identifies approaches for climate resilience and multinational collaboration, contributing to EU's 2050 climate neutrality goals. As part of the CF SEDSS, the study supports MoDs in enhancing climate resilience and aligns with the EU's Climate Change and Defence Roadmap and Strategic Compass for Security.
The study is supported by top EU leaders, including Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Head of EDA and Kadri Simson, Commissioner for Energy, European Commission. Their endorsements amplify the study's significance at decision-making levels.
The study is available here: EDEN Deliverables Phase II (europa.eu)
Next CF SEDSS event
EDA will organise the 6th CF SEDSS III conference (22-23 November) back-to-back with the 2nd CF SEDSS III Energy Technology Solutions (ETS) conference and onsite exhibition on 23-24 November under the auspices of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) and hosted by the Ministry of Defence of Spain (ES MoD) and ISDEFE (Engineering Systems for the Defence of Spain).
About the CF SEDSS
The Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (CF SEDSS) is a European Commission-funded initiative managed by the EDA. This forum was established to create a defence energy-related community to share information, knowledge and best practices on improving energy management, increasing energy efficiency and building performance, utilising renewable energy sources in the defence sector and enhancing the resilience of defence-related critical energy infrastructure.
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