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‘Work together’ plea as region chases energy riches

Around 230 delegates at the East of England’s biggest energy conference were urged to work together and think big so that the region gained maximum benefit from the billions of pounds to be invested over future decades.

The call for unity across the private and public sector, the diverse energy sources, the range of businesses involved, academia and training and even the various sub-areas of the region was a recurring theme at the Energy: Powering Forward conference staged by the TMS client EEEEGR (East of England Energy Group) at Great Yarmouth Racecourse.

And there was a reminder that EEEGR itself, as the unifying voice for the energy industry in the region, would have to up its profile with the impending demise of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

Speakers from major international companies were among those to take the platform and stress that the East of England must be flexible and ambitious to meet the challenges facing the energy industry and grab its share of the rich mix of opportunities.

EEEGR chief executive John Best said, “As a region, we must show we are flexible, competent and ready.”

Mr Best also read a message from Charles Hendry, Minister of State for the Department of Energy & Climate Change, praising EEEGR’s good reputation.

“The work you have done, and are continuing to do, makes an important contribution to the move to a low carbon economy and I look forward to being able to visit in the near future,” said the Minister.

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