Didier Houssin returns to IEA as Director of Sustainable Energy Policy and Technology

Didier Houssin took charge this week as the International Energy Agency’s new Director of Sustainable Energy Policy and Technology (SPT), bringing his expertise from five years as chief of Energy Markets and Security at the IEA. In his new role, Mr. Houssin is responsible for all aspects of energy sustainability, such as energy efficiency policy, energy technology policy and energy-related climate change policy, including carbon capture storage (CCS). 

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Didier Houssin back to the IEA team,” IEA Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven said.

Before joining the IEA, Mr. Houssin had wide-ranging experience in numerous posts both in the French Government and the private industrial sector.  From 1997 to 2004, he was Director of Energy and Mineral Resources, in the French Ministry of Economy and Finances, and from 2004 to 2007, he was Managing Director of BRGM, the French Geological Survey, with extensive management responsibilities over the 850-strong group. Among other matters, his responsibilities at BRGM included overseeing carbon capture and sequestration and in geothermal energy. From 1987 to 1990, Mr. Houssin held a position in European Affairs at Total, where he was responsible for developing EU strategy.

Of French nationality, Mr. Houssin graduated from the Ecole Nationale d’Administration and has a Masters in International Law. He also has degrees in Philosophy from Université de Paris 1 - La Sorbonne and in Political Science from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris.

He succeeds Bo Diczfalusy, whom Ms. Van der Hoeven lauded for his significant achievements and dedication in the office. “I wish to thank Bo for his invaluable contribution as SPT Director and wish him well for the future.”