EU energy experts Patrick Lambert and Dr Samuele Furfari were the key speakers at the third North East Energy Forum, bring together a wide range of stakeholders interested in regional energy policy planning.
The Brussels-based speakers addressed delegates from across the region on European policy on energy and the linked financial programmes for energy activities, and also on the new EU Green paper on energy efficiency.
Dr Gordon Adam, Chair of the North East Energy Forum said: "The participation of our EU speakers will help the region to form better links with the EU and will enable the region to better understand existing and emerging EU energy policy and how the new EU Intelligent Energy Executive Agency will work and with what funding programmes."
Energy efficiency is a particular focus of the event and there is the opportunity for delegates to debate energy issues and to take back a plan of action to their organisations.
John McCabe, of Alcan Smelting and Power Ltd provided a business perspective as an intensive energy user. He gave his views and experiences of operating in a business dealing at the cutting edge with commercial demands and ongoing competitiveness whilst addressing energy issues, such as carbon regulations and carbon saving and reductions.
The annual Energy Forums give stakeholders the chance to participate in regional policy planning and to share best practice on energy issues. The event is sponsored by the North East Energy Partnership in association with Government Office for the North East.
