East of England Energy Group’s (EEEGR) Southern North Sea Conference & Exhibition conference will be held on 16 and 17 September this year.
The theme of this year’s virtual event is “Smart Generation: the transition to 2050”.
One of the panels “A Cross Sector View of the Energy Transition” will comprise Melanie Onn (RenewableUK), Alistair MacFarlane (Oil and Gas Authority), Tom Greatrex (Nuclear Industry Association) and Simon Markall (EnergyUK).
The group will discuss the impact of energy transition across the sector and the challenges and opportunities they face; from skills shortages to emerging innovative technologies.
On day one, the speaking panel will be broadcast across two streams, one focussed on oil and gas and the other on renewable energy.
Renewable Energy stream speakers include representatives from ORE Catapult and the Solar Trade Association.
Martin Dronfield, the East of England’s Offshore Wind Cluster Champion, will host a session highlighting the region’s “leading position in offshore wind” and showcasing the local expertise.
On day two, David Wright (National Grid) will deliver a keynote opening on “Energy Systems: Future integration to support the energy transition and potential solutions”.
A hydrogen stream and a supply chain and skills energy stream will run concurrently on day two.
Jonathan Rowe (HyNet) and Carlo Procaccini (OGA) will kick off the discussion “Hydrogen and its role in the energy transition.”
Tony Green (National Grid Gas) and Julia Pyke (EDF) join Chair Jonathan Reynolds (Hydrogen East) to discuss the East of England’s untapped potential in hydrogen production.
Eilidh Campbell (SPR) and Sue Falch-Lovesey (Vattenfall) will join speakers from ECITB and OPITO to discuss “Building the Net Zero Energy Workforce”.
This will be followed by Stuart Rimmer, CEO of East Coast College who will discuss the role of education in developing the workforce of the future.
Project updates from companies including Vattenfall will happen on the second day.
EEEGR chief executive Simon Gray said: “We’ve secured some incredible speakers that represent a diverse range of views and specialisms. Moving online really opens the floor to a broader range of speakers, and we promise some thought-provoking discussions about the future of energy in our region and beyond.
“The transition to 2050 is transformative for our industry, bringing a mix of challenges and opportunities. Our speakers will give delegates a deep and broad understanding of the topics, helping them confront those challenges head-on and capitalise on the opportunities it brings.”