Industry leaders gather at Essex Energy Summit

Industry leaders gather at Essex Energy Summit

More than 140 businesses, innovators, educators and community partners came together to network and explore what more can be done to secure sufficient, affordable energy in Essex.

The Essex Energy Summit was hosted in Chelmsford by Essex County Council’s Essex Growth Agency. It focused on the many energy projects planned for the region in the coming years and highlighted how these projects could create new jobs and attract investment for local communities.

Delegates included representatives from energy leaders RWE, Cadent, East Wind, EDF, the National Grid, Freeport East, Gulermak and Catapult. Also in attendance were local suppliers and students from the Colchester Institute and Anglia Ruskin University.

Opening the event, Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Communities, Transformation and Economic Growth, underlined Essex’s role in ensuring we have the right power infrastructure in place to cope with growing demands.

She said: “Essex has the ambition, investment and momentum to become a national powerhouse for energy generation, with billions already flowing into the sector – and a workforce pipeline growing through our colleges and universities – we’re ready to lead.

“But partnerships and local considerations are essential: industry, government, education and communities working together to turn opportunity into both jobs and long term growth that works for local Essex people and businesses.”

Attendees of the Energy Summit enjoyed presentations on innovation, supply chain and the skilled workforce, exploring practical actions to accelerate delivery.

SMEs and students from the region were given the opportunity to network with major employers in the energy sector.

Across the panels, speakers repeatedly highlighted the need for closer collaboration. Industry leaders, skills providers and businesses all agreed joint working would need to underpin the county’s future energy strategy.

Councillor McKinlay added: “Essex County Council is keeping energy and sustainability at the heart of our growth plans – backing the right infrastructure, ensuring residents have the skills they need to work in the energy sector, giving businesses the clarity they need to invest and pushing to ensure communities feel the benefits.”

Councillor Peter Schwier, Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling, said: “Clean energy isn’t just an economic opportunity, it’s essential to protecting Essex’s landscape for future generations. By working hand in hand with industry and our partners and communities, we can accelerate the shift to renewable power while protecting Essex’s natural environment.

“The momentum we’ve seen at the Summit shows that Essex is ready to deliver real, lasting environmental change.”