Green Energy for Clean Growth

For more than a decade, we have witnessed a paradigm shift in the global energy sector. Since the Climate Change Act became law in 2008, the UK has cleaned up its energy mix faster than any other major world economy. The UK’s support for renewable energy and decarbonisation is a success story and the Government’s pledge to achieve ‘net-zero’ emissions by 2050 will necessitate further growth in the green economy.

As we emerge from the pandemic and look to a strong economic recovery, it will be vital for the UK to realise the growth potential which a focus on Green Energy can provide. By ensuring that sustainability becomes ‘Business as Usual’ for Government and industry alike we can safeguard our future, helping communities to prosper, and live healthier lives.

But in order to gain the full social, economic and environmental benefits of Renewables, we will need to change existing energy regulations, which are no longer fit for purpose and are hindering the advantages and timescale for delivering energy transformation. It is of the utmost importance that these issues are raised and properly examined, and our policies have a strong evidence base.

ResPublica are bringing together a panel of leading experts and commentators to discuss and explore what is needed to ensure that proposed changes and policy initiatives truly hit the mark.

Key talking points:

• What more the Government should do to foster green energy? How critical it is to the whole economy, especially post-Covid?
• What role can Renewable Energy projects play in the levelling-up agenda and how can new technologies help deliver wider societal and economic benefits?
• How does the energy system evolve and what can we learn from different countries that are preparing for their transition towards Renewables?
• What are the current regulatory challenges in the UK, especially in order to expand flexibility along with Renewables?

Speakers:

• Dolf Gielen, Director, Technology and Innovation Centre, IRENA
• Maureen Paul, Chief Economist, Ofgem
• John Smith, Director of Infrastructure, Shetland Islands Council
• Jacopo Torriti, University of Reading and member of the Ofgem Academic Panel
• Alan Whitehead, Shadow Minister for Green New Deal and Energy
• Jonathan Marshall, Head Analyst, Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit