The South-West’s potential for over £30 billion in inward investment into energy transition projects, such as Floating Offshore Wind, Carbon Capture, Battery Storage, Hydrogen, and Tidal energy, was the focus of the South West Business Council’s Autumn Conference at the University of Plymouth.

The event brought together leading experts, including Professor Richard Davies (Vice-Chancellor, UoP), Tim Stiven (Director of Energy Systems, The Crown Estate), Richard Oldfield (Chief Executive, NCC), and Claire Pearce (Founder of Real Growth Ltd and Chair of SWBC). Attendees gained valuable insights through individual presentations and two impactful panel sessions, which explored energy security, investment opportunities, and strategies for navigating the energy transition.

The conference highlighted the South-West’s critical role in driving the UK’s green innovation and net-zero ambitions, showcasing the region’s potential to lead in sustainable energy solutions while fostering collaboration across industries.