The speakers and programme for a major two-day energy conference in Hull next month have been released.
The Energy & Clean Growth in the Northern Powerhouse conference, held at the Bonus Arena on November 5 and 6, will bring together some of the biggest names in business and politics to discuss the future of energy and decarbonisation.
Pioneering technologies including carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and offshore wind are expected to take centre stage, as well as the role clean growth will play in driving the economy and creating jobs.
A host of big-name speakers have been revealed for the event, with Humber LEP chair Lord Haskins, Northern Powerhouse Partnership director Henri Murison and Roger Marsh OBE – chair of the NP11 – all confirmed.
Will Gardiner, CEO at Drax Group, said: “The NP Energy Conference will be a fantastic opportunity for businesses in the North of England to come together and showcase the strength and capabilities we have and use that to develop a vision for delivering a net zero carbon economy by 2050.”
The two-day conference will be broken up into a number of different sessions.
Each will follow a specific theme, with subjects including carbon capture and storage technology, offshore wind, hydrogen power, nuclear energy, and how to nurture future talent to support the industry.
The conference will also see the first ever northern NP11 Energy & Clean Growth Strategy unveiled.
This will set out a pathway for the north to collaborate and work together to fuel growth and hit the UK Government’s target of becoming net-zero carbon by 2050.
Lord Haskins, chair of the Humber LEP, said: “We are incredibly proud to be hosting this first-of-its-kind event, which is a fantastic opportunity to show the wider world what we have on offer in the Humber and across the North of England.
“This region truly is the country’s powerhouse, with energy being an absolutely vital sector which has made its home here in recent decades, but it is vital that we continue to grow this industry whilst overcoming the challenges associated with the region such as high carbon emissions and skill retention.”
The conference will see contributions from major businesses including Orsted, Siemens, Drax, Equinor and Phillips 66, and from the Departments for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, the Department for International Trade and the Environment Agency.
The Humber’s future industrial strategy will also enter the spotlight, with well-known names from across the estuary also taking to the stage.
Mark O’Reilly, CEO at Team Humber Marine Alliance, will chair a session on the challenges coastal regions face in terms of energy and decarbonisation.
Names including Kirsty Clode, chair of Woman in Manufacturing and Engineering, Andy Parkinson, chair of Marketing Humber, and Louise Smith, director at Aura in Hull, will also feature.
Closing remarks at the two-day conference will be made by Lord Haskins, who announced last month he was to leave his role as chair of the Humber LEP.
For the full programme and times, click here .
