Nobuo Tanaka Keynote Speaker

Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) (2007–2011)
Chairman of the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF) Steering Committee
Leading authority on global energy policy, energy security and the energy transition

Nobuo Tanaka's Biography

Nobuo Tanaka is Chairman of the steering committee of the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF), which was established by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2014. He was Chairman and President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation for 2015-2020. As Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) from 2007 to 2011, he initiated a collective release of oil stocks in June 2011. He also played a crucial and personal role in the strengthening of ties with major non-Member energy players, including China and India.

He began his career in 1973 in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and has served in a number of high-ranking positions, including Director-General of the Multilateral Trade System Department. He was deeply engaged in bilateral trade issues with the US as Minister for Industry, Trade and Energy at the Embassy of Japan, Washington DC. He has also served twice as Director for Science, Technology and Industry (DSTI) of the Paris-based international organization, OECD. As CEO of Tanaka Global Inc, he advises several Japanese and International companies.

He graduated from University of Tokyo and have MBA from Case Western Reserve University. He is currently a Distinguished Fellow at Center on Global Energy Policy, Collumbia University and Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ). He chairs Study Group on Next Generation Nuclear Energy Utilization at Canon Institute of Global Studies (CIGS).

The future of global energy and energy security

Net zero, clean energy and the energy transition

Nuclear energy and the future energy mix

Asia’s role in shaping global energy markets

Geopolitics, energy policy and international cooperation

He brings unparalleled global authority on energy policy from leading the International Energy Agency and shaping international energy security at the highest level.
He translates complex energy, climate and technology dynamics into clear strategic insight for governments, boards and global businesses.
He offers a uniquely international perspective drawn from senior roles across Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the OECD and leading global institutions.
His briefings help leaders navigate the energy transition, balance security and sustainability, and make informed decisions in an increasingly volatile global system.