The Energy Transition is not a choice — It’s our mission

Just over a year ago, at the end of August 2024, I had the honour of being elected President of CIGRE. As I write these lines, I reflect on what these twelve months have brought: countless encounters, new initiatives, and above all, a deeper appreciation for the strength of our community.

One of the defining moments of this first year was our record-breaking Paris Session. Never before had we gathered so many participants, exchanged so much knowledge, or witnessed such energy and commitment in one place. It was a vivid reminder of what makes CIGRE unique: technical excellence combined with openness, diversity, and a true global spirit.

Yet the Session was only one highlight. Across continents, I have been privileged to meet with National Committees — from Athens to Cape Town, from Adelaide to Montreal. Each visit brought inspiration. Each encounter confirmed that CIGRE is alive and strong because of the dedication of its members.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Central Office in Paris and to my colleagues in CIGRE’s leadership team (pictured below from left: Philippe Adam, Konstantin Papailiou, Rannveig Løken, Michael Heyeck). Their tireless work, often away from the spotlight, ensures that CIGRE remains the foremost global source of knowledge for reliable and sustainable power systems.

When I began this journey, I made three promises:

• To raise our voice clearly on the urgency of the energy transition, not only among engineers but also in politics, media, and society.
• To attract and educate young people, preparing them to take the lead in tomorrow’s power sector.
• To better connect and use our human capital, ensuring that knowledge and experience are shared across generations.

In this first year, we have taken meaningful steps. Our Innovation and Education Fund, which has just unanimously been approved at a memorable Administrative Council meeting in Istanbul, is a bold signal that we are ready to invest in ideas, people, and the future. The work on the Legacy Generation Network has started and is progressing, opening new ways to connect the experience of senior experts with the enthusiasm of younger generations. At the same time, our increased presence in the media and public debate ensures that CIGRE’s voice is heard more widely, strengthening our impact beyond technical circles.

All these steps matter because the energy transition is not a choice — it is a necessity. This truth is echoed in every country I visit, across every conversation with our members and partners. The future belongs to electricity. And CIGRE, with its unmatched technical expertise and global reach, will play a leading role in shaping that future.

But beyond projects, funds, and strategies, what has touched me most are the personal stories:

• The young engineer presenting a first paper with pride and courage.
• The senior expert dedicating time to mentor and inspire.
• The volunteers who keep our Study Committees and National Committees alive with their passion and generosity.

These encounters remind me that CIGRE is not just a technical association. It is a living community, where knowledge is not only stored but shared, not only published but lived.

Looking ahead, I am filled with gratitude and confidence. Gratitude for all of you — your trust, your dedication, and your contributions. Confidence that together, we will continue to ensure that CIGRE is both a beacon of technical excellence and a community that inspires.

As I begin my second year as your President, I am convinced more than ever that our mission is clear. The energy transition is not optional. It is our responsibility. And together, it is our mission.

Konstantin O. Papailiou