Event Recap: Policy Engagement for Energy Transitions
On Monday, 10 June, the ZERO Institute ECR Network convened its inaugural Energy Nexus Series roundtable at The Old Library, St Edmund Hall, Oxford, bringing together an interdisciplinary cohort of early career researchers, senior academics, industry leaders, and policymakers to examine the role of policy in advancing energy net zero transitions.
The event featured flash talks on energy policy, addressing the complexities of policy formulation, systemic change, and technological innovation in the transition to sustainable energy systems. Presentations were followed by a roundtable discussion under the Chatham House Rule.
Key Contributions
Professor Chris Grovenor: The National Nuclear User Facility – A Case Study in Persuading Government to Invest in Civil Nuclear Power Renaissance
Explored the challenges and successes in advocating for public sector investment in nuclear energy infrastructure.
Ms Chinenye Mbonu: Should Systemic Change Precede Energy Transition Policy? Perspectives from Africa
Offered an African perspective on whether institutional transformation should precede or follow energy policy shifts.
Ms Emma Southwell-Sander: Furthering Energy Research – The Role of STFC-UKRI and National Laboratories at Harwell
Discussed the role of national laboratories in advancing energy research, with insights into the Harwell Energy Tech Cluster.
Ms Hanbit Lee: Dynamics of Urban Mobility and Energy Consumption Impact in Vienna
Provided an urban energy consumption analysis, with a focus on mobility patterns and their implications for sustainable cities.
Dr Martin Burgess: Legislating to Reduce Embodied Carbon in Buildings – Lessons from Denmark, Sweden, and France
Examined legislative approaches to embodied carbon reduction in the built environment, drawing comparisons across European frameworks.
Ms Tarfa Al-Shubayli: Transforming the Kingdom – Shifting Saudi Energy Policy
Explored Saudi Arabia’s evolving energy policy, considering its implications for regional and global energy transitions.
The discussion was co-chaired by Professor Tinka Marquardt (ZERO Institute Leadership Team) and Ms Anastasiia Rudkovska (ZERO Institute’s ECR Network).
