A VARIETY of energy sources are needed to bring power to the people over the coming decades and most will be highlighted at Eeegr's flagship summer conference at Great Yarmouth Racecourse on July 14.

A VARIETY of energy sources are needed to bring power to the people over the coming decades and most will be highlighted at Eeegr's flagship summer conference at Great Yarmouth Racecourse on July 14.

Speakers from major companies across the energy spectrum will examine how the industry can cope with future demand and how important it is for a co-ordinated approach.

Whether it is oil & gas, wind power, nuclear, renewables, biofuels or other energy sources, the East of England will have a vital role to play - with Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft at the hub.

Eeegr (East of England Energy Group) chief executive John Best said: “We have watched the difficulty of resolving a battle for power in the General Election and now the energy industry faces similar problems in bringing power to our nation in the years ahead.

“To succeed, we need our own coalition involving all parties in the energy industry to ensure the right mix and balance for our future needs. We're delighted that all are coming together at our conference which sits at the heart of the energy supply chain here in the East of England. It reflects our desire to speak with one compelling voice for the region's energy industry.”

Peter Wright, economic development officer of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said they were delighted that Eeegr's prestigious conference was being held in the town at a time when there was such a strong focus on the local opportunities for the industry.

"We want to make sure all the delegates receive a warm welcome to Great Yarmouth, enjoy the excellent facilities at the racecourse centre and have a successful conference," he added.

Vattenfall managing director David Hodkinson and Centrica's regional director for the Southern North Sea (SNS), Steve Kemp, will be among keynote speakers at the “Energy: Powering Forward” conference.

Mr Hodkinson will focus on the future of the offshore wind industry in the region, particularly relevant with Vattenfall a partner in the proposed East Anglia Array windfarm development off Yarmouth. Mr Kemp will highlight the continued importance of SNS gas.

Paul Lafferty, from E.ON Ruhrgas, will emphasise the need for an integrated approach to energy supply while Alan Cumming, of EDF Energy, will talk about the new era of nuclear power.

Also speaking will be Roy Armishaw, director of operations for conference sponsors Petrofac, along with presentations from British Sugar, Lotus Engineering, Eeda and Biffa.

The evening before the conference, there will be a chance for delegates to relax by joining an Eeegr and Amec hosted event at the Great Yarmouth Racecourse for its Ladies Night racing.

More information from www.eeegr.com