Connecting Minds, Powering Change and the Future of World Energy Systems

About the Conference

Mission

The IAEE 2026 International Conference in Santiago, Chile, seeks to foster informed dialogue and critical thinking on the evolving dynamics of global energy systems. Through interdisciplinary exchange and evidence-based analysis, the conference will provide a platform for sharing insights that support energy transitions, sustainable development, regional cooperation, and energy security. Our mission is to advance knowledge and collaboration among academics, policymakers, industry leaders, and international institutions to shape the future of energy in an increasingly interconnected world.

Theme: "Bridging Continents, Fueling Progress: Energy Development in a Global Context"

The 2026 theme reflects the urgent need to build bridges—between technologies, regions, stakeholders, and disciplines—to achieve equitable, secure, and sustainable energy systems. It highlights the strategic role of Latin America and the Global South in a rapidly transforming energy landscape. It underscores the value of global cooperation to unlock innovation, investment, and inclusive development.

Scope

IAEE 2026 will cover a wide range of energy topics, from market design and decarbonization strategies to critical minerals, digitalization, and the geopolitics of energy. The conference offers a dynamic mix of:

• Plenary and dual plenary sessions with world-renowned speakers

• Concurrent academic and professional sessions across 20+ themes

• Special sessions on women in energy, just transition, and youth perspectives

• Student-focused programming, paper awards, and networking opportunities

• Technical tours showcasing Chile’s leadership in clean energy innovation

The program is designed to accommodate a diverse, global audience of economists, engineers, political scientists, business professionals, and policymakers working on the front lines of the energy transition.

Global Cooperation: A Central Pillar of IAEE 2026

In an era of geopolitical shifts, climate urgency, and technological acceleration, global cooperation has become indispensable to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy systems. The IAEE 2026 conference places special emphasis on bridging North–South and South–South collaboration, encouraging the exchange of knowledge, experience, and innovation across regions, development levels, and energy realities.

By convening a diverse network of participants from all continents, including academics, policymakers, private sector leaders, and multilateral institutions, the conference provides a neutral, high-impact forum to:

• Foster cross-regional dialogue on common challenges and differentiated solutions in energy transitions.

• Enable joint research, investment, and technology exchange across developed and emerging economies.

• Promote capacity building and institutional learning, particularly for countries facing constraints in energy access, infrastructure, or governance.

• Encourage inclusive frameworks for critical mineral development, green hydrogen production, and energy innovation.

• Advance cooperative strategies for regional integration, energy security, and climate resilience.

Chile, as host country, exemplifies the potential of international partnerships to drive systemic change—from renewable energy deployment and interconnection projects to its active role in climate diplomacy and clean technology investment.

At IAEE 2026, global cooperation is not just a theme—it is the enabling mechanism for a sustainable energy future.

Historical Relevance

This marks the 47th IAEE International Conference and only the second time it is held in South America, after the 2010 edition in Rio de Janeiro. Bringing IAEE to Santiago not only affirms Chile’s global leadership in clean energy and its strategic importance in the energy transition across the region and the world but also reflects the association’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and knowledge exchange beyond traditional energy centers.

Chile offers a compelling context: a dynamic energy sector at the forefront of renewable integration, green hydrogen, and critical mineral development—positioning the country as a strategic hub for energy innovation and sustainable growth.

 

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile)

Founded in 1888, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Latin America. It was declared a Pontifical University by Pope Pius XI in 1930 and granted academic autonomy by the Chilean government in 1931.

Renowned for its academic excellence, UC Chile has consistently ranked as the top university in Latin America according to the QS Latin America University Rankings, and it is currently placed 103rd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The university also boasts the highest employer reputation in the region, ranking 19th worldwide in this indicator.

With 18 faculties, four interdisciplinary academic units, and the UC College Program offers a comprehensive range of academic options, including over 60 undergraduate programs, 93 master's degrees, and 38 PhD programs.

UC Chile maintains a strong national presence through its four campuses in Santiago and one in Villarrica, as well as affiliated institutions such as DUOC.

Its historic Casa Central is in the heart of Santiago, on Av. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 340, serving as a symbol of its longstanding commitment to education, research, and public service.

 

The Centro de Extensión Alameda of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

The Centro de Extensión Alameda of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile) is the university’s central hub for cultural outreach and public engagement, located in a neoclassical building at Avda. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 390, in central Santiago, near the Universidad Católica metro station on the Alameda.

Reflecting UC’s mission to extend academic excellence beyond the classroom and contribute to Chile’s cultural and social development, the center aligns with the university’s Catholic values by offering free and public-facing cultural programming—such as film cycles at Cine UC, theater via Teatro UC, visual art exhibitions, heritage collections, public lectures, and educational workshops.

Situated adjacent to the Casa Central campus, it houses cinema halls, performance and exhibition spaces, a chapel, bookstore, and café, serving as a bridge between UC and the broader community to promote civic dialogue, artistic appreciation, and social inclusion, reinforcing UC’s leadership in Latin America’s cultural landscape.

 

Santiago - Chile, July 19-22 - 2026