Professor Jan Rosenow, Professor of Energy and Climate Policy at the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford, took part in multiple high-level sessions on the future of energy systems at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland.
Professor Rosenow spoke and facilitated the session “The Rise of Electro States”, which explored how countries can build resilient, affordable and secure electricity systems as global electricity demand continues to grow at twice the pace of overall energy use. The discussion examined the implications of rapid electrification, digitalisation and economic transformation, and what is required to ensure electricity systems can underpin prosperity, energy security and the net zero transition.
The session brought together senior leaders from across the global energy system, including Henrik Andersen, President and CEO of Vestas; Manon van Beek, CEO and Chair of the Board of TenneT; Daniel Marokane, Group CEO of Eskom Holdings; and Anindya Novyan Bakrie, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN).
In addition to “The Rise of Electro States”, Professor Rosenow moderated a WEF lunch session on the future of energy and materials technologies, gave a dedicated talk on offshore wind, and moderated a table discussion on Europe, clean energy and competitiveness. He also delivered introductory remarks for a bilateral discussion on the ASEAN power grid, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and grid integration for accelerating the clean energy transition in Southeast Asia.
Speaking after the sessions, Professor Rosenow highlighted the central role of electricity systems in shaping future economies, noting the importance of scaling up grids, renewables and digital tools in a way that is both resilient and equitable.
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (19–23 January 2026) convened leaders from government, business, civil society and academia under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”, with a strong focus on collective action to address global challenges.
Watch the full recording of “The Rise of Electro States” on the World Economic Forum website.
