Energy Capital Conference to take place in Birmingham

Event to focus on the region’s energy matters.

The Energy Capital conference will take place on Tuesday 27th November at IET Birmingham from 9am – 430pm.

Energy Capital is the policy and delivery body for energy in the West Midlands, reporting to the Mayor. It’s a public-private partnership established by the West Midlands Combined Authority, Black Country LEP, Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP, and Coventry & Warwickshire LEP, and supported by industrial and third sector partners including Western Power Distribution, Cadent Gas, Climate KIC, the Universities of Birmingham and Warwick, BEIS, Ofgem and the Energy Systems Catapult.

Energy matters to the West Midlands, costing our businesses and citizens over £8 billion a year. At a time of global transition in energy systems and growing overlaps with transport, housing and digital infrastructure systems, there is a strong consensus that we can manage our energy system better and that regions and localities have a critical role to play in making this change happen.

The conference will focus on understanding how regional and local Government can work more effectively with national Government to play a critical role in accelerating the clean energy transition in the UK, maximising economic, social and environmental benefits for all.

The agenda is made up of a series of guest speakers and facilitated sessions, and includes:
• The launch of the Regional Energy Strategy in the context of the Local Industrial Strategy by The Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street.
• UK Energy System – Challenges and Futures
• Responses to energy system opportunities in Europe
• Responses to energy system opportunities in United States – Hear how Connecticut’s Green Bank is supporting the development of its state’s energy system with speakers Brian Farnen, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer.

The morning sessions will be focussed around different aspects of the regional role in the energy system, and include: Energy Efficiency; Infrastructure; Innovation; and Transport.

The afternoon sessions will discuss how to strengthen the role of the regions in the UK energy system, and include: Cluster Development and Incubation; Community Energy; Infrastructure Finance Models; and Industrial Strategy and Energy Costs.

Matthew Rhodes, Chair of Energy Capital said: “The global energy system is changing rapidly and fundamentally. There are many opportunities in this transition, as well as many unknowns, but one of the few points most people agree on is that the role of regional and local authorities in the future energy system will increase and be much more significant and important than it is today.”

The Energy Capital Conference will be of interest to all businesses who manufacture or deliver energy-using products and services; energy infrastructure policy makers and regulators; Universities, local authorities, utilities; the social housing sector and trade associations.

The Energy Capital Conference on 27th November is free and runs from 9am until 4.30pm. You can book here