IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol met with Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson this week, holding discussions on a wide range of topics related to regional and global energy markets and security.
At the Sager Palace on Wednesday, Prime Minister Kristersson and Dr Birol spoke about recent global events and energy market developments, as well as the opportunities for industry as electricity demand grows strongly worldwide. They also discussed Sweden's plans to expand its nuclear energy capacity and the strong role this can play in achieving national and regional energy goals. Prime Minister Kristersson underscored the strong value of the IEA's data and analysis as Sweden navigates today's energy challenges and opportunities and pledged ongoing collaboration.
Dr Birol then participated in a series of events hosted by the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, including a roundtable discussion on energy security and industrial competitiveness and a seminar on the role of competition in the Age of Electricity. Dr Birol delivered a keynote speech at the seminar, which was attended by the King of Sweden and over 150 prominent figures from government, industry and academia. The speech focused on the opportunities for Europe of electrifying more areas of its economy to achieve its strategic priorities.
Dr Birol had a bilateral meeting with the King after the event. They spoke about current energy and geopolitical topics, including innovation and the role of nuclear power in the Sweden's energy mix.
While in Stockholm, Dr Birol also met with former Prime Minister of Sweden Carl Bildt, Swedish State Secretary Maja Lundbäck, and Chairman Marcus Wallenberg of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences.
