Arctic Circle Assembly 2019 – UK Arctic energy session – 11 October 2019

2nd October 2019

Smart Energy Arctic: Practical Solutions for Low-Carbon Transition 

Time: 11 October, 11:15-12:00

Venue: Silfurberg A, Harpa Second Level

Organisers: UK Science and Innovation Network, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Arctic Office

The Arctic is a vulnerable region that is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, it is also home to around 4 million people, who work, study, and raise their families in remote areas withstanding harsh conditions on a daily basis. As a region, the Arctic is in need of smart energy solutions that could both meet the needs of local communities and reduce the carbon footprint and the strain on the environment.

The UK is a world leader in low-carbon technologies, driving forward the development of future smart energy systems and their implementation at scale: from batteries to heating to transport solutions. With existing clean growth programmes and funding opportunities on the domestic level and a growing portfolio of international partnerships, the UK is committed to fostering and supporting low-carbon innovation.

The session is focusing on the theme of climate change and low-carbon transition with relevance to remote communities and the Arctic region. It will showcase a number of UK-led innovative projects, initiatives and approaches that are aimed at providing cleaner, cheaper and more resilient energy. The session will bring together speakers from across the academia, business, industry and government sectors and open up a discussion on potential international collaborative opportunities in this area to pave the road to a smarter and more sustainable Arctic.

Speakers

Moderator: Henry Burgess, Head, the NERC Arctic Office

  • Dr Natalie Lowery,Practice Manager for Local Area Energy Planning, Energy Systems Catapult; Title: Local Energy Asset Representation
  • Dr Scot Wheeler,Postdoctoral Research Associate, Energy and Power Group, Engineering Science Department, University of Oxford; Title: Project LEO: Maximising Prosperity of Local Energy Systems
  • Dr Gareth Davies, Managing Director, Aquatera; Title: ReFLEX Orkney (Responsive Flexibility) projectCreating Smart Energy Island