Consultation Forum A Key Platform for Advancing Sustainable Energy Systems in Defence

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The Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector convened in Nicosia, Cyprus on 5 and 6 May 2026 for the third CF SEDSS IV plenary conference, under the auspices of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council and hosted by the Cypriot Ministry of Defence.

“Energy is no longer just a support function—it is a foundation of military capability and a source of vulnerability.” stressed Anders Sjöborg, Deputy Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency (EDA), "force that depends on fragile energy is a force at risk. But a force that is diversified and resilient, is a force that can endure and prevail.” 

The conference saw the largest participation since the start of Phase IV, bringing together 26 EU countries, over 180 experts, and 21 exhibiting companies. This turnout underscored CF SEDSS’s role as Europe’s largest defence energy community and highlighted its growing importance in promoting defence related energy topics across Europe. The CF SEDSS community engaged closely with industry, academia, and research and technology organisations. This cooperation fostered the exchange of knowledge on cutting edge energy solutions with direct relevance to the defence sector.

“Energy is no longer a supporting factor of defence, but a core element of security and strategic autonomy,” highlighted Stelios Kountouris, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence of Cyprus, stressing that Europe must act decisively to strengthen energy resilience, reduce dependencies, and enhance defence capabilities in an increasingly unstable environment. “The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus does not treat the energy dimension as a supplementary element of defence. We consider it a fundamental pillar of national and European security.” 

In this context, the Ministry is advancing concrete measures, including “the upgrading of energy efficiency in military infrastructure, the integration of renewable energy solutions in defence, and the development of more resilient and sustainable energy supply systems,” contributing directly to operational readiness and aligning with European initiatives coordinated by EDA.

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During the plenary session, speakers outlined the strategic and policy context for the discussions. They focused on recent developments in the EU energy policy framework, national efforts connecting energy security with defence, and the growing importance of innovation in strengthening defence energy resilience. The session also examined how energy issues can be better integrated into broader EU defence innovation initiatives.

In the parallel working group sessions, the community laid the groundwork for the launch of a series of ambitious studies covering all Forum areas. They also completed the first cycle of deliverables, including 15 project ideas, as well as draft roadmaps and guidelines aimed at enhancing defence energy resilience.

The Consultation Forum recognised a profound transformation in the defence environment, driven by increasing digitisation and growing awareness of energy dependence as a critical operational vulnerability. Against a backdrop of heightened uncertainty and pressure on energy supply chains, energy resilience has become a central factor shaping security planning and military effectiveness. In response, the Forum supports the defence sector in anticipating and addressing emerging challenges by fostering research, building capacity, developing defence energy-related project ideas. It also promotes the exchange of best practices aimed at strengthening energy security, sustainability, and resilience across defence activities.