Energy Strategy to be Launched at LEP Conference

An Energy Strategy for Greater Lincolnshire is to be launched at the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Conference this Friday. 

The strategy will set out a vision for sustainable energy production and use across Greater Lincolnshire and will be unveiled at the Lincolnshire Showground on Friday 12th July.

It is the result of extensive consultation and research by the LEP and its local authority partners and will support the creation of a sustainable system of energy which meets Greater Lincolnshire’s need for energy now and in the future.

The four ambitions expressed in the strategy are:

• Secure low-cost, low-carbon energy across Greater Lincolnshire
• Commercial and residential development in capacity-constrained areas
• A sustainable transport system
• A strengthened local energy industry within Greater Lincolnshire

The theme of this year’s annual LEP conference is Lincolnshire's evolving opportunities. There will be a number of expert panels that discuss tomorrow's economy and what we can be doing now to position Lincolnshire for the evolving opportunities.

There will be two Grand Panels on the main stage: one on capitalising on our rural challenges and another on opportunities for industry leadership.

Alongside there will be five additional panel discussions on:

• Developing a quality, inclusive visitor economy
• Future-proofing the food sector
• Future proofing skills and transitioning skills into a changing work environment
• Rural energy pilots
• Rural health and care

Hosting the event will be Susannah Streeter, World Business Report anchor on the BBC World Service and BBC World TV and a former reporter on BBC Breakfast.

There will also be an exhibition showcasing business and industrial technologies which are at the cutting edge of the digital and robotics revolution.

“We look forward to welcoming you to this year’s LEP Annual Conference and hearing your thoughts on the future of the Lincolnshire economy,” said Ruth Carver, Chief Executive of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP.

“One of the areas we have focused on this year is the important area of energy. The world is undergoing an energy revolution, a move towards a new, more dynamic and efficient model of energy generation, distribution and usage.

“This revolution is opening up new possibilities for energy companies and others, but at the same time the threat of climate change and pollution call for radical changes in the way our economy works in order to reduce CO2 and pollutant emissions.

“Our Energy Strategy is our response to these opportunities and challenges for Lincolnshire and we expect it to start a vital conversation across our area as we plan for a sustainable energy future.

“We have an ambitious vision for good growth in our distinctive place, and if we can support Greater Lincolnshire to achieve it there will be significant benefits for our businesses and people.”

As headline supporters of the conference, the British Business Bank will host a breakfast seminar to highlight the success of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), which supports SMEs in the region with commercially focused finance through debt and equity finance funds. Fund managers appointed to deliver MEIF will talk about the investments made so far and give delegates guidance on applying for funding. 

The LEP Conference is a half-day event which runs from 8am until 2pm on Friday 12th July.

Lunch is provided and free delegates’ passes are available via the LEP Conference 2019 Eventbrite site.

Follow the latest updates about the conference using the hashtag #LEPConference2019 on social media.