South West Business Council pledges support to region’s Net Zero goals by hosting energy leaders conference in Devon
The South West Business Council (SWBC) will be bringing together world-class decarbonisation experts and industry leaders from the energy sector for a key conference in Devon.
The event, which addresses the energy transition and climate change mitigation, is part of the council’s pledge to support Great South West’s plans for the South West to become the first Net Zero region in England.
‘Energy Transition: The Challenges and Opportunities’ is at Sandy Park in Exeter on Friday January 27 2023. It will focus on the region’s roadmap to Net Zero and provide expert insight into the security of energy supply, the challenges in accelerating energy transition and the opportunities this will create for the South West economy.
The line-up of speakers, including experts honoured by the Queen, has been unveiled; Jane Cooper, Renewable UK’s Director of Offshore Wind, Morwind’s Director Peter Crone, Eric Adams, Projects Director (Hydrogen) for Carlton Power, Paul Jewell, National Grid‘s System Development Manager, Deborah Greaves OBE, Director of the Centre for Decarbonisation and ORE and University of Plymouth’s Professor and Tim Stiven from the Crown Estate.
Liz Waugh, Managing Director of Coast Communications, will be facilitating the conference, with more speakers to be announced in the coming weeks. Attendees will also have the chance to hear from the South West Business Council’s Chairman, Tim Jones, and CEO, Paul Coles.
Paul Coles, CEO of the South West Business Council, said: “Given the effect of the Ukraine war on global energy prices, and the significant impact this is having on consumer and business cost, the need to decarbonise our energy supply, whilst ensuring its security, has never been more imperative.
“We are committed to providing our business community with insights and resources to help them navigate the challenges of the energy transition and climate change, and we will continue to work closely with key organisations, local authorities, relevant government departments and the region’s business leaders to support the South West on its journey to becoming the first Net Zero region in England.
“We are delighted to have acquired such a brilliant line-up of speakers to deliver our conference, and strongly encourage people to get their tickets fast before they sell out.”
The conference is part of the SWBC’s commitment to supporting the region in utilising its green and blue economy to become the country’s first Net Zero region. As part of their mission, SWBC is pleased to support the Great South West’s ambitions of powering a cleaner, better future for the South West.
The Great South West Partnership is the powerhouse brand for the Cornwall, Isles of Scilly, Devon, Somerset, and Dorset region, striving to become the country’s first carbon net zero region, and a world leader in clean growth.
The conference is co-sponsored by Wales & West Utilities, a national, regulated gas distribution business with around 35,000 kilometres of gas pipes across Wales and the South West of England.
Matt Hindle, Head of Net-Zero and Sustainability at Wales & West Utilities, said: “Wales & West Utilities are proud to co-sponsor and present at the South West Business Conference. The rapid transition required to reach Net Zero presents huge opportunities for theSouth West, building on its energy heritage and looking to the future.
“The area has a unique cluster of business, energy and industrial expertise and a wealth of natural resources for Net Zero energy. It’s important that we find solutions which work for communities across the South West and this conference can help move the transition forward.”
Tickets are now on sale for SWBC members and non-members. For more information and to register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/energy-transition-the-challenges-and-opportunities-tickets-472467100817
