Offshore wind as the backbone of a secure, affordable and decarbonised grid

Over the last two decades, offshore wind power has gone from a niche technology to playing a central role in Britain’s energy system.  The lecture will explain this journey and consider offshore wind’s role in providing energy security and independence, decarbonising the grid, and reducing Britain’s exposure to the volatile cost of gas-fired generation – outcomes that must be delivered at the right price for consumers and industry.  Multiple projects are under with many more to follow in the coming decade and beyond. Benj will reflect on the importance of maintaining investor confidence during a period of significant market reform and increasingly divergent political views on the pace and cost of the energy transition.  How do we deliver these projects on time, within budget and in a sustainable manner?

Benj oversees Ørsted’s business in the UK, working with government and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the company’s offshore wind and storage assets through project development, construction and operations.

Benj led the work to deliver the Offshore Wind Sector Deal with the UK Government, and also served on the government’s Advisory Panel on Highly Protected Marine Areas and continues to chair the Offshore Wind Industry Council’s Environment & Planning and Defence programmes. He led the global sector’s work for the UN Oceans Panel, forming the Offshore Renewable Energy Action Coalition and publishing their ground-breaking report on ocean renewable energy.

Until recently Ørsted’s UK Country Manager, Benj previously worked at the Carbon Trust as Director of Innovation, after two decades in the upstream oil and gas sector.

He is a Fellow of the Geological Society, an Honorary Fellow of the Energy Institute, and holds an Honorary Doctorate from Durham University. He served on the Board of Renewable UK for eight years and is a currently President of the Society for Underwater Technology. He also serves as a member of the Board of the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and the Global Underwater Hub.

Lecture 6-7pm

Drinks Reception 7-8pm