Low Carbon Meeting: solar, wind and biomass: power for the people
Start Date:13 Jun 12
This inclusive event gives participants the opportunity to discuss energy alteratives and low carbon technologies, to build new connections between researchers, investors and business executives, and to debate the way forward in this central sector for the UK economy. All are invited to join in and debate the way forward with our panel of speakers including:
Brendan Bilton, consultant on Energy Infrastructure & End Use at E.ON UK, which is partnering with Aston University and Birmingham City University to support low carbon research. He was previously CEO of Ceram HyD, where he helped commercialise membrane materials for hydrogen production via electrolysis, and CEO of St Andrews Fuel Cells and Ceramic Fuel Cells (Europe) Ltd.
Tim Jones, chief technology officer at Molecular Solar Ltd, a spinout company from the University of Warwick and 2011 Lord Stafford Award winner, will present on third generation organic photovoltaic cells which yield record voltage and are being devolved for a wide range of commercial uses including portable chargers for mobile phones and other handheld devices.
Tim Miller, Aston University, and head of the European Bioenergy Research Institute, is establishing a platform of bioenergy systems including a £16.5 million centre in Birmingham housing a power plant for turning sewage, wood, straw and grass cuttings into energy, and giant "radiators" that can grow algae for fuel.
Graham Hygate Founder of Fine Energy and Sustayn, manages major change programmes for organisations in government, the broadcast media and financial services. A research physicist by training, he now operates renewable energy schemes, raising revenues from the sale of electricity and the UK's feed-in tariff.
Context
The UK's investment in renewable energy projects such as wind farms, biomass power plants, and solar installations during 2012 will reach £2.5bn, providing support for 12,000 jobs according to DECC.
However, this remains well short of the record £7.1bn invested here in 2009, due to in large part to continued policy uncertainties and barriers to investment such as planning delays.
Progress incudes a 27% increase in renewable energy consumption from 2008 to 2010, now representing 3.3% of total energy consumed. This still a long way short of the 15% target imposed by the EU for 2020, and suggests that there is plenty of room for growth.
Panel discussion
Join in the debate with leading research and business experts following a set of engaging short talks, discuss new developments and present your view.
Present your plan for a free consultation
Obtain feedback on your business idea and explore new partnerships. Scientists, engineers and SMEs are invited to present their plans for a free private 45 minute consultation during the afternoon with a panel of legal, business, financial and investment advisors who are experienced in developing commercialisation strategies.
Places are limited. Contact us for details or to submit your 2 page summary. Those short-listed receive pro bono follow up support from Wragge & Co, Marks & Clerk and FD Solutions on corporate structure, intellectual property and financial issues.
Meet the press
Speakers will be interviewed beforehand to share their stories with the public, and members of the press are invited to meet the participants during the reception.
Schedule
People will gather at 5:30pm for a canape and drinks reception, to view posters and exhibitor stands, and meet colleagues. Talks begin at 6pm, and are followed by lively panel discussions. Dinner will be served from 8pm.
Location
Our Maple House venue is located in central Birmingham UK on Corporation Street.
