SENIOR US government official Scott Woodard has been confirmed as a keynote speaker at the Northern Ireland Energy Summit taking place at the ICC Belfast on Wednesday June 21.
He is acting director of the Bureau of Energy Resources at the Office of Energy Transformation at the US Department of State, which he has served in various roles since 2002.
The summit is being led by the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE), a research partnership between Queen’s University, Ulster University and AFBI, based at Queen’s University.
The day-long event will see global experts, government and energy industry leaders gather to build an informed consensus on how best to take Northern Ireland forward in meeting its renewable energy targets and net-zero ambitions, whilst driving 10X economic growth across innovation, sustainability and inclusion.
The Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) leads the US Department of State’s efforts to develop and execute international energy policy through diplomatic and programmatic engagement that promote a low-emissions future; energy security for the US and partners; and economic prosperity through sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy access.
Mr Woodard said. “I am excited to join Northern Irish and global leaders in Belfast to discuss the clean energy transition and how the US and Northern Ireland can continue to work together to advance our shared interests in promoting the clean energy industry."
CASE chair Trevor Haslett added: “The aim of this important event is to showcase the potential which Northern Ireland has to lead the world in energy transformation.
“Having a hugely influential figure like Scott Woodard illustrates the US administration's belief in this once in a generation economic opportunity the net zero transition presents for Northern Ireland."
Other keynote speakers at the energy summit will include NI Civil Service head Jayne Brady; the Scottish Executive's energy climate change director Kersti Berge; and Professor Mark Ferguson, chair of the European Innovation Council (EIC) board and former chief scientific adviser to the Irish government.
The summit (details at www.nienergysummit.com) will also provide delegates the opportunity to input and shape the ‘A Pathway to our Renewable Future’ policy paper, which is being developed by CASE with input from a range of public and private sector organisations.
