Professor Catherine Mitchell will join an expert panel on energy security

Industry and communities unite on energy security

An expert from the University of Exeter will join energy company executives and community leaders at the Eden Project on Thursday (6th Dec) to discuss how to secure the UK’s energy needs.

The “Securing our Energy Future” conference is part of a joint project between the University of Exeter and the University of Sussex.

It will bring together industry leaders, academic researchers, MPs, councillors, charities & community groups. The event will address crucial issues such as energy prices, environmental concerns, energy infrastructure, public opinion and the future of wind, wave & solar power in the South West.  

Catherine Mitchell, Professor of Energy Policy based at the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus, will address the conference, as part of a programme of influential speakers. Attendees will also hear presentations from: the CEO of Renewable Energy Systems, Dr Ian Mays; the Lib Dem MP for St Austell and Newquay Stephen Gilbert; the former Energy Minister Charles Hendry MP; Ed Gill from Good Energy; founder of Surfers Against Sewage Chris Hines MBE; Stephen Frankel from Wadebridge Renewable Energy Network; former Exeter based journalist Naomi Harris; and Caroline Digby, Sustainability Director for the Eden Project. 

The conference will be chaired by Simon Rix, South West Regional Director for Bellenden Public Affairs, a company that helps renewable energy & housing development clients engage with local communities prior to submitting planning applications.

Speaking prior to the event Simon Rix said: “Energy prices are in the news again and there are serious questions about how we ‘keep the lights on’. More nuclear, solar, wave or wind turbines are being considered, but how would they affect our communities? These are important questions we need to face up to.”

Anyone wishing to see if there are any spaces left at this free event should email southwest@bellenden.co.uk.

Date: 3 December 2012

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