Accelerating the Energy Transition: The Perfectly Timed Energy 2050 Summit
As described by one of our partners, the “perfectly timed” Energy 2050 Summit will see business leaders gather in London in November with the aim of accelerating the energy transition, post-COP 27 in Egypt. As support gathers pace for the Energy 2050 Summit, with speakers and contributing companies being added to the programme every day, it seems timely to put into words why people come along and what they can expect to get out of it.
What may surprise many is that our agenda isn’t solely comprised of renewable energy producers and innovators, but also with those who deliver and use energy. Take Microsoft for example. As a major energy consumer, it needs to run its network as sustainably as possible – its customers and shareholders want assurance on that. In order to achieve that objective, conversations with the largest renewable energy providers can have a substantial impact on future strategies.
Another example straight from our agenda is the National Grid. The part it plays in delivering renewable power is hard to overestimate, particularly as the means by, and locations in which power is generated have evolved so considerably. Huge strategy and investment are required in order to adapt – and collaboration with others, from energy providers to the supply chain, will play a vital role.
In other words, as the Energy Transition continues, it’s vital that the promotion of trailblazing technology continues, and bold investment is the proven catalyst. By taking that approach 20-odd years ago, the UK government assured that we are now seen as leaders when it comes to supporting green infrastructure, which in turn supports a high number of jobs across the country. I was involved in this approach in 2002, working for a UK biofuels company which, whilst tiny, was leading the way in its global field. That was made possible by the investment available, and the company went on to be acquired by a far larger organisation which could see its enormous potential. Without the financial support we received, obscurity would have beckoned.
Invest in new technologies and that risk will more than likely become market leading. 20 years ago, large-scale, offshore wind power seemed unlikely, expensive, and highly controversial. Look at how the tables have turned today…
Who’s On the Agenda?
London is where the keys to that investment sits, and that’s a fundamental reason for the Summit being held there. The agenda features a number of investors, not least BlackRock - one of the largest private equity companies in the world. Our carefully curated agenda sees investors sitting side-by-side with energy providers and the technology innovators. As a group, they are steering the progress of the Energy Transition.
However, there is one more facet that Energy 2050’s agenda represents. An efficient, sustainable Energy Transition also relies on the advice of bodies such as the Climate Change Committee and we see it as absolutely crucial to give them the opportunity to explain to the energy industry what their advice is to the government - and indeed why that advice is what it is. That is why Chris Stark, CEO of the Climate Change Committee has been invited to speak on what government can do to accelerate and enable net zero investment, a topic that could not be more pertinent as the next UK prime minister takes the helm in September.
Should I Attend?
No individual company or body is going to deliver the #energytransition in its field – collaboration, and shared risk are the cornerstones of this developing energy industry and that is the driving force behind the collective responsibility to reach net zero.
So, if it’s your role to create the partnerships that will deliver your company, your country, and the world’s much needed energy transition, you need to attend. If you’re energy curious and want to know what’s happening at the forefront of innovation, you need to attend. And if you’re looking to scale up your incredible innovation in order to satisfy the potential demand, you need to attend. We’ve built an agenda designed to accelerate the global energy transition, by giving you access to those who are leading it.
Check out the full agenda here and secure your place.
