The Great Energy Escape – panel discussion event

As part of the Manchester Science Festival 2017, Carbon Co-op and Energy Democracy Greater Manchester are running the Great Energy Escape, an immersive game exploring the challenges of the energy transition we’re all now involved in.

This event is free of charge. Book your ticket via Eventbrite.

In this follow up event, we ask about electric vehicles, smart homes, power blackouts and municipal energy. What does our future energy system look like in Greater Manchester and beyond, how quickly will things change and how will citizens be involved?

*Speakers*
– Colin Baines of Friends Provident Foundation talks about the challenges facing ‘The Big Six’ energy companies and asks” “Are their days numbered?”

– Emilia Melville shares her research carried out with the University of Surrey and BuroHappold Engineering in to energy democracy – how can citizens be more involved in the energy system?

– Electricity North West, the distributors of electricity in the North West explain the challenges of a changing grid as more renewable generation is accomodated and more electric vehicles come online.

*Who should attend*
– Energy industry practicioners, workers and unions
– Energy democracy, environmental and climate change activists and campaigners
– Policy makers
– Academics, scientists, students and researchers
– Anyone with an interest in the future of the energy system.

There will be an opportunity to pitch in your questions on the evening.

*Background*
Wise Minds: The energy transition and large utilities
Insights from energy industry and political leaders on the rapidly changing UK energy system

In August 2017, Friends Provident Foundation and Forum for the Future published a report examining the ‘Big Six’ energy company viability in light of the technological change, decarbonisation and democratisation within the energy system. The report included contributions from six energy industry heavyweights including former ministers and CEOs of Big Six companies and suggested these company’s business models are likely to be severely challenged in the coming years.

Speaker Biographies

*Colin Baines*
Colin Baines is an Investment Engagement Manager for Friends Provident Foundation, an independent capitalised charity with a focus on building a more resilient, sustainable and fairer economic system. Colin is responsible for the integration of its endowment with its charitable objectives, including via impact investments and shareholder engagement. He is currently leading a programme of engagement with the utility sector to develop new business models that are resilient to energy market disruption.

Previous to this Colin worked for the Co-operative Bank and Group for 20 years, during which time he was responsible for ethical finance and corporate responsibility policies, and social goals campaigns. He has co-authored ground-breaking reports on high carbon financial risk, led successful advocacy for mandatory greenhouse gas reporting by FTSE companies, and co-founded the Community Energy Coalition, successfully campaigning for and contributing to DECC’s Community Energy Strategy.

Part of the Carbon Co-op Info Night series
Sponsored by Electricity North West

This event is free of charge. Book your ticket via Eventbrite.

Event Details