The Future of Energy Lecture – ‘Keeping the Lights On’

Introduction

The BIEE is celebrating  its 30 year anniversary with the launch of an annual lecture series  “The Future of Energy”. This year’s guest speaker will be  Ian Marchant, Chairman Designate the Wood Group, and former CEO of  SSE who will  give the inaugural lecture ‘Keeping the Lights On’ on May 22nd.

Keeping the Lights on

In his former role as CEO of  SSE, Ian Marchant was outspoken about  the risk of  the UK’s  “lights going out” unless further action was taken over the generation and supply of power.  In March 2013 he  warned that the government was seriously underestimating the “capacity crunch” currently facing the country.  “The government is significantly underestimating the scale of the capacity crunch facing the UK in the next three years and there is a very real risk of the lights going out as a result.” He added the government could reduce this risk significantly by taking further action to provide a greater clarity on its various electricity market reforms and also by bringing forward capacity payments for existing plants from 2018 to 2014.

One year on and now Chairman Designate of The Wood Group, Ian will discuss how the UK can keep the lights on.  He will reflect on 25 years in the energy industry and discuss issues and challenges facing the energy sector.

“Our modern way of life is almost completely dependent on the provision of reliable and affordable energy and as a result rarely a day goes past without the energy industry making headlines. I am pleased to have this opportunity to take a step back and look at some of these issues and hopefully make a constructive contribution to the energy debate.”

Ian Marchant, Chairman , The Wood Group

Ian Marchant was Chief Executive of SSE plc, a leading UK energy utility company, for over 10 years until stepping down in the summer of 2013. He is Chairman of Scotland’s 2020 climate delivery group and Chairman designate for Wood Group, non-executive Chairman of Infinis Energy plc and non-executive director of Aggreko plc, Cyberhawk and Linknode. He is also President of the UK’s Energy Institute and Chairman of Maggie’s Cancer Charity.

Venue

The meeting will take place in the Conference Room at the Royal Society. Registration will start outside the meeting room at 16.40 and tea will be available on arrival.  The lecture including questions will take place from 17.00-18.30  and will be followed by a drinks reception at 18.30 .  For directions and travel information please  click here

Resources