Event

Conference – “emPOWER – The Energy Transition Summit”

Calendar 18 February 2020
Location Brussels

Organised by RGI

emPOWER – the Energy Transition Summit was a collaborative conference to showcase innovative solutions to help deliver the European Green Deal and highlight the key policy measures needed to drive the necessary investments.

Up until now, the energy transition has borne many fruits. The aim of the emPOWER conference session was to take stock of the energy transition’s successes until now, examine the ‘game changers’ of the new energy system’, discuss the key features and challenges of a fully renewables-based system and identify concrete steps and processes necessary for ensuring a successful transition to a net zero-carbon economy.

Agenda & Speakers

Cristian Bușoi Chairman of ITRE committee, European Parliament
Speaker
Antonella Battaglini CEO, Renewables Grid Initiative
Moderator
Bertrand Piccard Initiator, Chairman and Pilot of the Solar Impulse Foundation
Speaker

This session brings together the leaders of energy companies, technology providers and consumers to debate where Europe stands on delivering the energy transition:

1st debate – Renewables and smart energy as drivers for Europe’s competitiveness

2nd debate – Strengthening Europe’s industrial base to deliver on the energy transition

Rasmus Errboe Senior Vice President Market Development Continental Europe, Ørsted
Speaker
Marc Oman Senior Lead, Energy & Infrastructure, Google
Speaker
Vincent Minier VP Global Energy Public Policy, Schneider Electric
Speaker
Raul Gil Chairman, Energy Infrastructure Team, Europacable
Moderator
Gunnar Groebler Senior Vice President – Head of Business Area Wind, Vattenfall and Chairman of WindEurope
Speaker
Leah Charpentier Head of European Regulatory Affairs & Government Relations, First Solar
Speaker

Which forces will be the ‘game changers’ of the new energy system? How will they interact with one another and the system to transform the status quo? This session will see industry leaders, innovators and start-ups take to the stage in turns for rapid ‘PechaKucha-style’ presentations, packing concrete information into dynamic sessions. Discussions will focus on the topics of:

  • Emerging prosumer business models;
  • Demand-Side Flexibility in industry and homes;
  • Innovative storage solutions;
  • Smart electrification of transport, heating and industry.
Anja van Niersen Chairman of the board, Allego
Speaker

Electric Vehicles as a cornerstone of a smart energy system

Richard Sarti Director, Marketing and Sales, NODES
Speaker

Leveraging decentralised flexibility on local markets

Rytis Kėvelaitis Vice Minister for Energy, Republic of Lithuania
Speaker

Regulation to enable “game-changers” in energy system

Florence Jacquemart Innovative and low carbon solutions project leader, EDF
Speaker

Innovative business models in a decentralising market

In this moderated panel session, industry executives, policymakers and representatives from NGOs will come together to discuss the key features and challenges presented by a 100% renewables-based energy system. The session will focus specifically on:

  • Delivering on the Commission’s long-term decarbonisation strategy;
  • Renewables-based electrification as the key to efficiency and emissions reduction;
  • Priorities for Research & Innovation.
Walburga Hemetsberger CEO, SolarPower Europe
Moderator
Nicolas Gonzalez Casares Member of the European Parliament
Speaker

Setting the Scene

Philip Kavafyan CEO – MHI Vestas
Speaker
Aristotelis Chantavas Head of Europe, Enel Green Power
Speaker
Anne-Sophie Chamoy General Secretary Energy Pool
Speaker
Jeremy Leggett Founder and Director, SolarCentury
Speaker

In the 2021-27 funding period, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) will give priority to integrated and optimised infrastructure planning. The panel will focus on what that means for renewables, grids and electrification:

  • Delivering on the National Energy and Climate Plans;
  • Upgrading grid infrastructures and addressing public opposition to grids
  • Managing an energy system with very high shares of variable renewables
Gerard Reid Alexa Capital and Global Future Council on Advanced Energy Technologies at the World Economic Forum
Moderator
Manon van Beek CEO – TenneT
Speaker
Andrew McDowell Vice President, European Investment Bank
Speaker
Paula Abreu Marques Head of Unit for Renewables and CCS policy – DG Energy, European Commission
Speaker
Stephan Singer Senior Advisor Global Climate Science & Energy Policies, CAN International
Speaker
Kadri Simson European Commissioner for Energy
Speaker

Recording or Video

Photos

emPOWER: The Energy Transition Summit, Feb 2020

contact

Stephanie Bätjer

Stephanie Bätjer is leading the Renewables Grid Initiative’s communication and event activities as Programme Manager – Communication. She is also heavily involved in RGI’s policy work and all activities that look at social engagement around grids. She previously worked in the communications team of the European Climate Foundation. Stephanie has studied at the Universities of Marburg and Hamburg, Germany, and the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. She holds degrees in political science and journalism.