Energy

Siemens Crystal to host Sustainable September Energy debate

Published

10 years ago

July 8, 2014

Blue & Green Tomorrow

The Siemens Crystal in London is set to host Blue & Green Tomorrow’s Sustainable September Energy Debate. The event will see thought-leaders from the industry debate whether gas and nuclear power are more cost effective in the short-term in reducing carbon emissions than renewable energy.

The Crystal opened its doors in 2012 and aims to promote sustainable urban development in the capital. The structure, which stands on the waterfront at the Royal Victoria Docks, is one of the greenest buildings in Britain and achieves high energy efficiency ratings.

The £30m exhibition centre is an all-electric building that uses solar power and a ground-source heat pump to generate its own energy. Additionally, the building incorporates rainwater harvesting, black water treatment, solar heating and automated building management systems.

The event will see two sides argue their points, with the audience voting on the motion. Jeremy Leggett, founder and non-executive chairman of Solarcentury, and Karl Harder, co-founder and operations director of energy crowdfunding platform Abundance Generation, will argue in favour of renewables.

On the opposing side Mark Powell, who leads the power and utilities practice at consulting firm AT Kearney, will argue that gas and nuclear power can offer immediate carbon emission reductions. Powell will be joined by another speaker favouring gas and nuclear, who will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Energy Debate is one of four debates taking place in September, with the others focusing on retail, tourism and investment. An all-day sustainability conference, to be held at Westminster’s Central Hall on September 30, will close Sustainable September.

Book your place at the Sustainable Energy Debate here.