Do we have a plan for Energy?

Many of us take for granted that there will be electricity when we flick the switch, or petrol at the filling station - though we grumble at the cost. Behind the balance between energy supply and demand lies a complex set of relationships between companies and governments that reaches around the globe.

Keeping those relationships working at times of growth in some parts of the world, and austerity in others, is difficult. Compounding this difficulty is the aim of replacing some of the traditional supplies from coal, oil and gas with renewables such as wind, solar and biofuels that have lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Participants in the Warwick Global Energy MBA, which has just welcomed its fourth intake, will tackle these issues during a week-long session at the Warwick campus next week. Led by David Elmes, Head of the Global Energy Group at WBS and Gill Owen, an Associate Fellow of WBS based at University College London, managers from across the energy industry will assess how the relationship is holding up between industry and governments across the world.

Joan MacNaughton, Senior Vice President Power & Environmental Policies at Alstom and President of the Energy Institute, will review the different policies adopted by countries across the world and discuss which ones are working, at an open lecture on Wednesday 23 May.

At other times the group will hear from experts invited to WBS from around the globe - to explain how Mexico manages its oil industry, how Spain viewed privatisation of its power industry, and how Russia balances its domestic energy industry with its activities abroad.

"We will also look at the UK, which is making a difficult transition from privatising its energy companies and letting market competition find the best way, to a greater role for Government in defining the path," comments David Elmes. "Speakers will discuss how companies such as RWE, E.On and BP view their relationships with government, seeking to balance policy aims with providing the affordable energy we all expect."

Further information
The presentation by keynote speaker Joan MacNaughton is free to attend, but pre-registration is essential, by emailing sharon.bancroft@wbs.ac.uk.