27th Annual Conference, Sustaining the UK's Energy - preparing for the big agenda

This conference begins at 18.45 hrs on 23rd September and concludes at 16.30 hrs on 24th September 2009. 30% of the UK energy generation capacity retires in the next 15 years, and we must find ways to replace this and add yet more capacity. Demand for power in the UK grows at 1% per year, equivalent to 800 wind turbines, or one nuclear plant every two years! This means several large scale generation projects will need to be built over the next two decades. New power generation facilities will require connection to the National Grid, which itself faces extreme challenges. It has been estimated that the UK will have to find £200BN of investment over the next 40 years to fund the supply side. This presents serious challenges for resourcing, experience and expertise. Key issues for member organisations include significant challenges such as the scale of new facilities required, whether the UK is up to the challenge, obtaining consents and shortening initiation times, future prices of energy, carbon capture and storage, and many others. Government, through last year’s Energy White Paper, has recognised the national importance of what faces us. But are we ready? What do our member organisations need to do now to facilitate this level of investment? We will hear from experts covering matters such as the politics of low carbon energy, technical update on carbon capture, pathways to a low carbon future, re-engineering our delivery capability, pricing uncertainty, public acceptance and integrating with local communities, renewables’ quota, regulation, legal frameworks, and criticality of the national grid. • You should attend this Conference because it provides you, and your organisation with an understanding of the business opportunities which will occur in the energy sector. This sector is projecting significant growth and capital outlay over the next 30 years and more, not just in the UK, but globally. • You will be able to consider how this sector may impact on your organisation and how your top team should adjust to the opportunities and impacts ahead. • Andrew McNaughton, Chief Operating Officer, Balfour Beatty, will sum up the day and provide delegates with some lessons to take away.