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Energy security and resilience were the key lessons learnt from International Energy Week 2025 finds Craig Peters
The recent fire at Heathrow Airport has once again put the spotlight on the fragility of critical infrastructure and the role of both energy security and resilience. The incident shone a light on the increasing risks associated with an energy system which is already under strain. Just weeks earlier, concerns were raised over grid stability during periods of extreme weather, and debates over energy security continue to dominate headlines as the world transitions away from fossil fuels. Energy infrastructure is playing a vital role in the peace negotiations in Ukraine.
Against this backdrop, International Energy Week 2025 brought together policymakers and businesses to explore the complexities of the energy transition. This year’s theme, ‘Navigating the World’s Energy Transitions’, could not have been timelier, as facilities managers and corporate leaders grapple with the dual challenge of maintaining reliable energy systems while meeting net zero commitments.
ENERGY RESILIENCE
Energy resilience has become a top priority for facilities managers, and this was highlighted throughout International Energy Week 2025. With growing concerns over energy supply disruptions, whether due to grid instability, extreme weather events, or unexpected infrastructure failures, ensuring continuous and reliable energy supply is vital.
Infrastructure resilience is a huge concern, as the Heathrow fire, along with similar high-profile incidents in recent years, has highlighted vulnerabilities in aging electrical networks, backup systems, and on-site energy generation. With facilities managers increasingly responsible for ensuring business continuity in the face of power disruptions, speakers at the conference stressed the importance of integrating smarter energy management systems.
Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO of Sustainable Energy for All and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, pointed to the need for diversified energy sources. “Resilience isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about anticipating risks and designing energy systems that are adaptive, decentralised, and sustainable,” she said during a panel discussion on corporate energy strategies. With many facilities still heavily reliant on centralised grids, there was a strong push for greater investment in microgrids, battery storage, and on-site renewable generation.
DIVERSIFIED ENERGY SOURCES
One of the key takeaways to tackle these issues was the importance of diversified energy sources to bolster this resilience. Facilities managers are being urged to rethink their energy strategies, moving away from traditional, centralised grids in favour of more self-sustaining systems. Microgrids, for example, can allow facilities to generate, store, and manage their own energy, ensuring that operations can continue even during grid failures.
Incorporating back-up power solutions was also discussed as a vital component energy resilience. Moreover, real-time energy monitoring and predictive maintenance technologies were identified as critical tools for preventing disruptions before they occur. By continuously tracking energy usage and identifying potential issues, facilities managers can address problems proactively, minimising downtime and avoiding costly repairs.
ENERGY SECURITY
Striking a balance between long-term net zero targets and short-term energy security was an important area of discussion at the event. The UK’s industrial and commercial sectors remain under pressure to decarbonise, but recent disruptions have demonstrated the risks of an over-reliance on a single energy source. Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies, emphasised the importance of energy diversification. “Natural gas, hydrogen, and renewables all have a role to play in this transition. The key is flexibility – being able to shift between sources depending on demand and availability,” he said.
For facilities managers, future-proofing energy strategies requires both technological investment and strategic planning. While smart grids and AI-driven energy management tools are advancing, the fundamentals of emergency preparedness such as backup power solutions, routine system checks, and staff training, remain just as critical.
Another key takeaway from International Energy Week was regulation. As government policies shift towards stricter carbon reduction mandates, compliance and reporting requirements will become increasingly complex. Speakers urged businesses to stay ahead of regulatory developments, not just to avoid penalties but to unlock new funding opportunities for sustainability initiatives.
CONCLUSION
As the global energy transition continues, the need for facilities to be both energy-efficient, secure, and resilient will only increase. By adopting these strategies, facilities managers can ensure that their operations remain sustainable and secure, even in the face of an unpredictable energy future.
Facilities managers now need to rethink their strategies. Investing in energy efficiency and adopting a proactive approach to risk management will be crucial in an era where disruptions, whether from fires, cyberattacks, or extreme weather, are part of the new normal.
As the Heathrow fire has shown, the cost of inaction is steep both economically and reputationally. Resilience and sustainability are not competing priorities, but two sides of the same coin.
