Caspian Energy Security and Post-COP29 Conference

Event Program and Agenda:

Despite rapid responses by the EU and the UK to the energy crisis sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Europe will continue to face significant energy security challenges in 2025. These challenges are both technical and geopolitical, and the reliability of energy supply cannot be taken for granted. The UK Government and the International Energy Agency (IEA) will host an international Future of Energy Security Summit in London on 24-25 April 2025. The summit will assess the evolving energy security challenges and explore novel approaches to address them. This CPC event serves as a timely preparatory meeting and will contribute to a similar CPC event in Washington in February.

Caspian countries continue to play a key role in contributing to Europe’s energy security while also navigating their own climate and geopolitical challenges. For the first time, a COP Climate Summit will be held in the region. The CPC event will bring together leading voices from the UK Government, Caspian countries, and energy and climate experts to discuss the implications of COP29 outcomes for the region.

08:30 – 09:00 AM Registration and Coffee

09:00 – 09:10 AM Opening Remarks

• Efgan Nifti, President, Caspian Policy Center
• David Moran, Senior UK Adviser, Caspian Policy Center

09:15 – 09:25 AM Keynote Remarks

09:30 – 10:00 AM Ambassadorial Panel

Moderated by David Moran, Caspian Policy Center

• Elin Suleymanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the UK
• Osman Koray Ertaş, Ambassador of Türkiye to the UK
• Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the UK
• Ravshan Usmanov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the UK
• Ulan Djusupov, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the UK (TBC)
• George Saganelidze, Chargé d’affaires, Embassy of Georgia to the UK

Session 1 – Energy Security Challenges & Strategic Cooperation

The hard work of Europe, including the UK, to increase energy efficiency, accelerate the transition to renewables in line with the 1.5°C target, and diversify energy sources has helped countries cope with the last two mild winters. The EU met its energy supply targets early, and gas storage facilities are nearly full. However, 2025 could bring new challenges, including the risk of a colder winter and uncertainties around the end of Russia’s gas deal with Central Europe via Ukraine. Gas stocks could decline rapidly, and demand for LNG is expected to rise in both Europe and Asia.

This panel will examine global, European, and Caspian energy security prospects, discussing how the UK, EU, and Caspian Region can navigate a sustainable energy future. It will also explore short- to medium-term investment opportunities. How can countries meet energy needs while keeping Net Zero and the global 1.5°C target on track?

10:00 – 11:00 AM Panel 1 Moderated Discussion

Moderated by James Sharp, Caspian Policy Center

• Nicolas Ray, Energy Counsellor, EU Delegation to the UK
• John Roberts, Energy Security Specialist, Methinks Ltd
• Angus Miller, Chairman, TelosNRG

11:00 – 11:15 AM Coffee Break

Session 2 – COP29 Outcomes: Implications for the Caspian Region and the World

UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, recently stated, “In an unstable world, the only way to guarantee our energy security and protect against volatile energy price spikes is to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels to clean, homegrown energy.” How far did COP29 commitments, particularly from Baku, advance this transition? Did COP29 make sufficient progress on key issues such as mitigation, adaptation, inclusion, and finance, including negotiations on the New Collective Quantified Goal?

Caspian countries are among the hardest hit by climate change, facing extreme weather events and significant challenges related to water and food security, exacerbated by a complex geopolitical context. Regional collaboration has grown in recent years, but the Caspian region still requires greater investment—both public and private. COP29 placed the Azerbaijani Presidency and the region in the spotlight, offering a rare opportunity to showcase their challenges, achievements, and potential. How do Central Asia and the South Caucasus evaluate the outcomes of COP29, particularly on climate finance, support for adaptation, and just energy transitions? Did the international community and the countries themselves make the most of the opportunity? What actions should be taken before Azerbaijan hands over the COP Presidency to Brazil at COP30?

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM Panel 2 Moderated Discussion

Moderated by James Sharp, Caspian Policy Center

• Dr Stuart Brocklehurst, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Business Engagement and Innovation, University of Exeter. Director, Green Future Solutions
• John Carstensen, Fellow and Climate Resilience Lead, Mott MacDonald
• Alexandra Barnes, Director Infrastructure, Climate and Nature, British Expertise International

12:20 – 1:30 PM Closing Remarks and Lunch

Host or Publisher Caspian Policy Center