Some of the energy industry’s biggest names are joining forces to find new ways to involve the East’s energy supply chain in the UK’s most important offshore wind, nuclear, and gas projects.

The 2024 Southern North Sea Conference kicks off at the Norfolk Showground on Wednesday, May 22, with more than 1,500 expected to attend the annual event.

Organised by East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), the conference will feature two days of industry expert talks, exhibitor stands, panel sessions and “targeted networking” for those working in the sector.

Eastern Daily Press: Vattenfall hosted a ‘meet the buyer’ area at the SNS 2023 conference where contractors exhibited alongside the offshore wind developer to promote supply chain opportunities on the projects. Vattenfall hosted a ‘meet the buyer’ area at the SNS 2023 conference where contractors exhibited alongside the offshore wind developer to promote supply chain opportunities on the projects. (Image: Newsquest)

This year’s line-up includes more than 50 speakers, including Adam Ezzamel, head of offshore development for RWE, and Sarah Williamson, Sizewell C construction programme director.

The theme, “Energy Ecosystem”, will focus on the energy industry around the Southern North Sea – nicknamed by some the “Sea of Opportunity” – and the crucial role it will play in powering the UK’s future.

Eastern Daily Press: Kevin Keable, Chair of EEEGR.Kevin Keable, Chair of EEEGR. (Image: EEEGR)

EEEGR Chair Kevin Keable said: “The Energy EcoSystem is about all sectors of the energy industry working together to convert and transmit energy sources to power the UK to net zero targets, while growing the supply chain and developing a skilled mobile workforce in the East of England.

“SNS2024 is an unparalleled opportunity to network, tackle pressing issues, the latest technological advancements, and forge strategic alliances.

“The East of England has been at the forefront of energy development for nearly 60 years, but has never been so diverse, with so much collaboration, invention and creativity technically to make the most of our natural resources.

“We have asked our businesses who they wanted to hear from and have created a conference packed with exclusive insight and forecasting from big businesses and policymakers.”

The 2024 conference follows last year’s successful event, which focused on how to address the growing skills crisis threatening to scupper East Anglia’s hopes of becoming an offshore wind superpower.