WRI Polsky Energy Summit 2026
May 21, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM BST
London, UK
The surge in electricity demand marks a defining inflection point for the global energy transition. Stakeholders face a choice: to meet growing demand with outdated technologies or to leverage the opportunity to catalyze investment in a mix of innovative, pragmatic, affordable solutions. The decisions made today will shape economic competitiveness, global prosperity and energy security for decades to come.
The WRI Polsky Energy Summit is the gathering for leaders driving pragmatic, scalable solutions to the global energy transition. It brings together senior leaders from business, technology, finance, and government to tackle the defining energy challenges of the moment. Each Summit focuses on a timely theme, set with input from the WRI Polsky Energy Center’s expert Advisory Group.
This is a “solutions summit,” designed to overcome the critical barriers to a clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy economy. Over one day, participants will engage in deep, small group discussions to:
- Identify common challenges and blind spots
- Share emerging, innovative strategies
- Design practical approaches to overcome barriers and develop the pragmatic, scalable solutions and partnerships needed to drive a secure, clean energy future
Venue
The 2026 Summit, Meeting the Demand Surge, will take place at the Chicago Booth London Conference Centre, located in the heart of the City of London at One Bartholomew Close in Barts Square.
Hotel
For your convenience, we have secured a limited block of rooms at The Derby Hotel at a preferred rate for Summit participants. To access this rate, please book here.
The Derby is located one mile from the Summit venue. A complimentary shuttle service will be provided from the hotel to the Summit location at the start and end of the day.
Please note that availability is limited and we cannot guarantee rooms for all participants, so we strongly encourage you to book your stay as soon as possible.
Visas
International attendees traveling to the UK will need to apply for a standard visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization depending on the traveler’s nationality. The application is completed online through the UK government website, followed by paying the visa fee and attending an appointment at a visa application center to provide biometrics and submit supporting documents such as a passport, proof of travel plans, confirmation of the event, and evidence of financial support.
If you need any assistance please contact us at [email protected]
Agenda
| 8:30 | Arrival and refreshments |
| 9:00 | Welcome and keynote address (Fatih Birol, Executive Director, IEA) |
| 10:15 | First round of Solutions Groups |
| 12:00 | Networking lunch |
| 13:30 | Strategic Briefings |
| 14:30 | Second round of Solutions Groups |
| 16:30 | Collectively driving solutions and next steps |
| 18:00 | Reception |
Vegetarian and vegan breakfast and lunch will be provided. If you have any specific food allergies please contact us.
FAQ
- What is the WRI Polsky Energy Center?
The WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition harnesses WRI’s analytical power, convening ability, and global reach to help orchestrate a transition to a clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy future.
The WRI Polsky Energy Center’s ambition is to accelerate the energy transition by driving innovation, spurring economic growth, and making sustainable energy reliable, accessible, and inclusive for all. Its approach focuses on pragmatic strategies that turn bold ideas into real-world results by addressing policy, economic, and technical barriers across diverse contexts.
Established with foundational support from The Polsky Foundation, led by Michael and Tanya Polsky, the WRI Polsky Energy Center influences global energy markets while focusing on key geographies.
- What is the theme of the 2026 WRI Polsky Energy Summit?
The inaugural WRI Polsky Global Energy Summit focuses on the defining energy issue of the year: how can stakeholders meet the unprecedented surge in demand for electricity with clean, abundant, affordable, and reliable energy, while also increasing energy security and reducing fuel volatility risks? What are the pragmatic, scalable solutions and partnerships that can drive us forward?
- Who is the WRI Polsky Energy Summit for?
The WRI Polsky Energy Summit convenes a select group of leaders to connect deeply on the solutions we need to meet the demand surge through clean, abundant, affordable, reliable energy. Senior leadership from technology, finance, government and business will pinpoint problems, innovate around the solutions, and explore how they can be practically implemented. This moment calls for leadership and partnerships to build the clean energy future, together. Confronting the scale and speed of surging demand, influential stakeholders across the energy landscape — governments, financial institutions, and private sector — have been increasingly driven into siloes. But no single stakeholder can tackle these challenges alone.
Please note this is an invite-only event.
- Is this Summit open to the public?
This is a closed-door Summit conducted under Chatham House Rule. Only invited attendees may register and receive full details on the agenda and solutions groups sessions.
- Will the sessions be recorded and available after the conference?
While most of the Summit will be held under Chatham House Rule, the opening session will be livestreamed, recorded and shared afterwards. Registration for the livestream will open shortly.
- How can I stay updated on the Summit agenda?
While most of the Summit will be under Chatham House Rule, the opening session will be livestreamed, recorded and shared afterwards. Please subscribe to our channels to receive updates
- How can I keep up to date with the WRI Polsky Energy Center?
Please subscribe to our channels to receive updates: newsletter and LinkedIn.
- Who can I contact for additional assistance?
Please contact us through: [email protected]