Energy UK hosts its first ever virtual annual conference this week (Thursday October 15th) with a stellar line up of expert speakers and panellists gathering online to discuss, in the light of COVID-19, the role the sector will play in a Green Recovery focused on the Net Zero target.
‘Powering the Recovery’ is the theme of the conference and, as well as sessions looking to the future in relation to retail, generation, technology, investment and skills, the programme also focuses on the mental health challenges brought by the current situation.
Confirmed speakers include Jonathan Brearley, Chief Executive, Ofgem; Tom Glover, Chief Commercial Officer, RWE Renewables (Conference Sponsor); Dame Gillian Guy, Chief Executive Officer, Citizen’s Advice; Darren Jones MP, Chair of the BEIS Select Committee; Bruno Pozzi, Director, Europe, UN Environment Programme and Chris Stark, Chief Executive, Committee on Climate Change.
The event has been to set up to replicate the normal experience as much as possible with an exhibition hall and networking area, as well as the auditorium itself. For the first time, delegates will also be able to watch back any of the sessions for up a month afterwards. For full details on the conference and to book your place, please visit the Energy UK website or email conferences@energy-uk.org.uk
As is traditional, the conference also sees the publication of the annual Energy in the UK report, highlighting facts and figures which illustrate the sector’s huge contribution to both the UK economy and reducing emissions – and the next steps needed as part of the energy transition. While looking primarily at 2019, the publication also covers some of this year’s events, such as the sector’s response to COVID-19 and moves to support customers along with the new low carbon generation records that have been set in recent months.
Fittingly, Energy UK is also using the occasion to launch its new ‘Diversity in Energy Speakers Directory’ which will feature experts – from engineers to communications leaders, policy experts to campaigners – to help support event organisers and media outlets to broaden the range of voices and better represent people within the sector from BAME backgrounds. Read here for more details on this initiative.
Energy UK’s chief executive, Emma Pinchbeck – who will kick off proceedings with her first address to the conference as CEO – said:
“These are clearly difficult times both for those operating in our sector and of course for the customers we serve and the people in our workforce. I’m proud of the way our industry has risen to the challenge so far.
“We are determined that our Conference will also be positive, hopeful and forward-looking. The energy transition has already achieved amazing things and today we’ll hear from those at the frontiers of new technologies and energy services about going further and faster to build a Green Recovery.
“With our industry set to play an integral part in the delivery of the Net Zero economy– one that also helps the country emerge from the damage of recent months and creates a brighter future for the environment and our customers – it’s an exciting and pivotal time for the energy sector.”
Energy UK would like to thank those sponsoring the conference this year: RWE, Engage, Arup, ESB, DMW, Drax, EY, Utiligroup and PwC.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- About Energy UK
Energy UK is the trade association for the energy industry with over 100 members spanning every aspect of the energy sector – from established FTSE 100 companies right through to new, growing suppliers and generators, which now make up over half of our membership. We represent the diverse nature of the UK’s energy industry with our members delivering over 80% of both the UK’s power generation and energy supply for the 28 million UK homes as well as businesses. The energy industry invests £13bn annually, delivers £31bn in gross value added on top of the £95bn in economic activity through its supply chain and interaction with other sectors, and supports 738,000 jobs in every corner of the country.