With future energy supplies high on the nation’s agenda, the flagship EEEGR2013 Conference in Norwich next month will be one of the most significant in the East of England Energy Group’s history.
The pending development of some of the world’s biggest windfarms off the region’s coast and the renewed ’dash for gas’ in the Southern North Sea and will feature strongly in the all-energy programme.
And delegates will have a rare chance to hear from three competing international offshore wind companies in a one-off panel discussion session in the afternoon.
Areva’s Andrew Fox, Andrew Crompton from Alstom Wind, and Ranjit Mene, of RE Power, will be together on stage to present and debate some of the massive strategy, cost and delivery issues facing the industry and the role the East of England can play.
Moderator for the session is Simon Gray, chief executive of EEEGR , who said: ”We’re fortunate to have a high profile line-up of speakers from such major companies who can assess the implications and opportunities for our energy supply chain companies.
”It is an invaluable chance for regional businesses to be updated on the national and local scene at a time when Government has a major involvement and we must decide how best to bridge the gap between limited existing resources and the promised future bonanza.
”Everyone needs to be focused on keeping the lights on tomorrow and for future generations.”
Around 300 delegates are expected for the conference and exhibition on Wednesday September 18th which will now be held at the Holiday Inn, Norwich Airport, where EEEGR’s annual Energy Innovation Awards and Dinner will also be staged the previous day.
Mark Hughes, RWE head of development, is among the earlier key speakers, looking at new opportunities opening up for the region from the offshore gas industry.
The conference will also hear from George Grant, managing director at Stag Energy, which is behind plans for a £200m gas-fired power station in Suffolk, and from Halfdan Brustad, chairman of Dudgeon Offshore Wind Limited, who will look at potential work evolving from the planned windfarm off the North Norfolk coast.
Other speakers include Matt Rudling, client services director for UK Power Networks, and energy-from-waste specialist Cliff Matthews, EfW regional manager – SITA, Suffolk.
”Actions may speak louder than words but much can be learned from listening to the experts at the top of the industry. That’s what our conference will bring. It’s a must-be-there event,” said Mr Gray .
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Press release, August 20, 2013; Image: EEEGR