Not going to this year’s POWER-GEN Europe 2011? – watch the live webcast instead

This year’s POWER-GEN Europe is going to be hosting a number of discussions on issues around the European energy industry. In one of the joint plenary panel discussions, attendees are going to be able to hear firsthand what some of the biggest players in the European energy sector think about the industry’s ability to meet energy and climate goals.  In this discussion, leading figures from energy companies across Europe will discuss how nuclear and renewable power can help Europe meet carbon targets, as well as discuss the changes that will need to be made to the energy grid to make this a reality.

So that as many people as possible can hear what the European energy industry is talking about, and to ensure that those who can’t attend the show don’t miss out, PennWell will be running a live webcast of the discussion.  The webcast will take place at 14:00 CET on Wednesday 8 June, and for more information please visit the POWER-GEN Worldwide site. You can also register your interest so that you don’t miss out on the webcast.

How should the European power industry face-up to future challenges?

The smart grid has been one of the main talking points in the European power industry for the past ten years, promising a future of increased efficiency, lower costs, and a secure and dependable power supply.  Clearly, this is still a major issue, but one aspect which seems to have been ignored is what will happen to traditional power generation in the low carbon network.  No matter what model of smart-grid is implemented, it will be let down if the bulk of power is supplied by a fleet of ageing, inefficient power stations.

For the European energy industry, the problem isn’t a simple one. The cost of a new power station is prohibitive, and many projects can fail to get off the ground if a suitable site isn’t available or if local opposition is too strong. Clearly, the power sector must make the most of its current plants if it wants to improve efficiency and increase output. Renovation and retrofit schemes can breathe new life into aging power stations, reducing carbon emissions using existing resources.

It is clear that the traditional power sector in Europe is going to provide the foundation for the region’s energy future. However, it is going to have to undergo major transformation over the next decade in order to provide more power with fewer emissions. Whatever route is taken, it is crucial that it leads the way to a low carbon future, and makes it easier to increase the number of low carbon energy sources being used. The POWER-GEN Europe 2011 conference will provide a prime opportunity for the industry to discuss its options and work out where the future lies. The conference will be split into six separate tracks, with each track having seven session throughout the day, providing the opportunity to look at all of these issues, and more, in much greater detail.

For more information about the POWER-GEN Europe 2011 conference, and to book your place at the event, please visit the POWER-GEN Europe 2011 website.

An in-depth look at the keynote speakers at POWER-GEN Europe 2011

Giuseppe Zampini, Chief Executive Officer of Ansaldo Energia

We’re pleased to announce that we’ve secured an initial two keynote speakers for this year’s POWER-GEN Europe event, both of whom are influential figures in the Italian power industry. The joint opening keynote session will be delivered by Gianfilippo Mancini, director of the Generation and Energy Management & Market divisions of Enel, Italy’s largest power company, and Giuseppe Zampini, Chief Executive Officer of Ansaldo Energia, Italy’s leading producer of thermoelectric power plants.

Gianfilippo Mancini, director of the Generation and Energy Management & Market divisions of Enel

The keynote speech will provide both speakers with the opportunity to provide their thoughts around the prospects and direction of Europe’s electricity industry. Mr Mancini will give delegates the chance to learn about the factors influencing decision-making within the industry, as it seeks to meet the dual goals of combating climate change whilst providing a secure and affordable power supply. Mr Zampini will focus on the role that nuclear power will play in the future energy mix as the European energy industry reaches a crucial crossroads in its development.

The keynote speech will set the tone for the event, and provide everyone with a perfect introduction to what promises to be the highlight of the European power industry’s calendar. For those with an interest in the European power industry, the thoughts and opinions of the keynote speakers are guaranteed to hit at the heart of today’s most prominent energy issues.

Please keep checking http://www.powergeneurope.com/ for further details about additional keynote speakers at the event, as well as information concerning the companies exhibiting, and the topics being discussed during the accompanying conference.

A Bright Future for Europe’s Power Sector in 2011?

At POWER-GEN Europe 2010, we conducted a poll of 60 power equipment and service providers and their customers and found that the majority (75 per cent) see a strengthening in market demand next year, despite the uncertainty surrounding international climate change regulation. However, only a tiny minority of respondents – just 1.5 per cent – thought the market would weaken.

The survey also found that EU targets to reduce carbon emissions and increase power efficiency, each by 20 per cent by 2020, are expected to drive the market. However, it seemed that opinion remains divided regarding the impact of climate change regulation, and that of the EC’s aim to create a common European electricity market. A third of respondents said that the uncertainty surrounding international climate change regulation was having a negative impact on the European power industry, whilst just under a third believed that a common European electricity market would benefit their business.

The results show that there is a lot of optimism about how Europe’s energy sector will develop next year, tempered by a fair amount of uncertainty.  Despite the negative impact of the economic downturn, the existing power infrastructure has need for significant new investment and the optimism expressed by our survey participants ensured the atmosphere at last year’s POWER-GEN Europe event was electric.

The figures have been announced ahead of POWER-GEN Europe 2011, which is being held at Fiera Milano City in Milan, from 7-9 June. Visitors to the event will also have access to Europe’s leading renewable and nuclear energy exhibitions, Renewable Energy World Europe 2011, and Nuclear Power Europe 2011. In addition, all three events will be complemented by a comprehensive conference programme, providing participants with a deeper understanding of a wide range of industry issues. For more information on this year’s event, please take a look at the POWER-GEN 2011 website.