“We are living in a complex and rapidly changing geopolitical situation, so energy efficiency, protection of critical energy infrastructure, and continuous energy supply are vital for both, every country and NATO as a whole. To stimulate best achievements in the area, we have to develop a close cooperation among the armed forces, private businesses, and academia,” Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas said in his welcome address.
At the conference leading experts from NATO allies and partners discuss themes relevant for promoting energy efficiency in armed forces for the years and decades to come. The event presents innovative technologies for boosting energy efficiency and the modes of their employment to cut down consumption rates of energy resources. Another point of discussion is the possibilities of improving security and resilience of soldiers.
“It is wonderful to see that so many subject-matter experts have gathered to the third conference. Energy efficiency and innovation matter to the whole NATO. This is the only exhibition of its kind in Europe and the growing interest in it demonstrates that energy community not only exists but is also expanding,” Director of the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence Colonel Gintaras Bagdonas said.
IESMA 2016 was opened in the presence of Rokas Masiulis, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania, Ambassador Sorin Ducaru, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, Ambassador Khatuna Salukvadze, Ambassador of Georgia to Lithuania, and other distinguished guests.
The event aims at stimulating transfer of technologies from civilian sector to military, application of innovative energy solutions in armed forces, and increasing awareness of energy security.
The event was first organised in 2012. Having received plenty of attention it took place again 2014. This year IESMA 2016 has pulled together over 500 participants, approx. 40 companies and organisations, and over 30 speakers and moderators from different parts of the world, including Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, UK, and US.
Long-standing partners and sponsors of the event are: Virginia Economic Development Partnership, G&G Partners, Pfisterer, Setolite, INTRACOM Defense Electronics, and others.
IESMA 2016 is supported by NATO‘s Emerging Security Challenges Division, Science for Peace and Security Programme.
