Energy industry’s bright lights ignite market debate at European conference

6/16/2011 9:50 AM EST

Energy industry’s bright lights ignite market debate at European conference

The energy industry’s elite has gathered to outline the future of the European energy markets at Bergen Energi’s second annual conference in Norway this spring.

International energy experts at Bergen Energi and several other top industry figures addressed the 80-strong, invite-only audience.

This year’s focus was on identifying future challenges and opportunities for the energy market and assessing the impact of recent climate initiatives.

Six headline speakers entertained delegates from 16 different countries and 58 different companies with markedly different opinions and case studies to inspire and inform companies planning their next energy strategies.

Presenters included: Dr. Pierre Noël, Political Economist at the University of Cambridge, who discussed the future security of energy supply in a changing world; Michael Meehan, CEO at Iverdis who talked about how to use sustainability to improve business performance; and Olaf Schulze CEO of MEM Metro Group who explored the world-wide wholesaler and retailer’s carbon reduction strategy.

There were also seven interactive workshop sessions running throughout the two-day event.

John Daynes, Bergen Energi’s Vice President for the UK and Ireland, said: “This was a fantastically inspiring event. It speaks volumes about the level of Bergen Energi’s knowledge and expertise to be able to host such a successful top-level conference.

“The conference really dug deep into the energy market issues faced by European end users in an increasingly globalised and complex marketplace.

“It was really important to look back over what has happened this year, with recent geopolitical events in Japan, North Africa and Middle East having such a huge immediate and future impact. However, it was also equally important to reflect on and predict global energy market drivers for the next twelve months too.

“Every guest I have spoken to since has commented what an informative and useful couple of days it was.”

Andrew Morris from Gazprom Marketing & Trading Retail added: “It was a great conference, entertaining and informative presentations coupled with the warm hospitality from the Bergen Energi team made it the best one I have attended.”