INDUSTRY NEWS Energy Minister To Meet East Of England
Industry Leaders At Flagship Conference Energy Minister Michael Shanks will visit the East of England next month to deliver the keynote address at the region’s flagship energy conference and meet leading businesses from across the sector.
His attendance reflects the region’s growing national importance to the UK energy supply and security, said Kevin Keable, Chair of the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR).
Mr Shanks will open the two-day Southern North Sea Conference (SNS2026), which brings together more than 1,500 professionals from across offshore wind, nuclear, gas, hydrogen and carbon capture.
Mr Keable said: The Minister’s visit reflects the work that has gone on over the past two years to ensure the East of England is recognised at the highest levels of government.
“EEEGR has led sustained engagement between government and industry, engaging with senior national figures and bringing some to the region to witness and understand its capabilities first-hand, including hosting GB Energy’s supply chain director at last year’s conference and we have also been contributing directly to national policy discussions by EEEGR’s representation on the North Sea Future Board.
“The East of England is a world- leading energy region, combining offshore wind, nuclear and a gas heritage stretching back more than six decades. Around a third of the UK’s gas comes ashore at Bacton, with plans progressing to develop a major energy hub focused on carbon capture and hydrogen.
“With major projects, including the £38 billion Sizewell C development and life extension plans for Sizewell B, alongside significant offshore wind deployment and a strong
Energy Minister Michael Shanks
project pipeline, the region is already delivering energy at scale and is well positioned for future growth.”
Mr Shanks will lead the plenary session on Wednesday 20 May on his first visit to the annual exhibition and conference, this year themed SNS2026 – The Next 25 Years.
The event at the Norfolk Showground, Norwich, also marks the 25th anniversary of EEEGR, which represents hundreds of businesses and provides a single, coordinated voice for the region’s energy sector.
Mr Keable said: “By bringing GB Energy into the region last year, strengthening our engagement with policymakers and contributing directly through the North Sea Future Board, we have been clear and consistent in demonstrating
both the scale of the opportunity and our readiness to deliver.
“This is about more than energy. It is about jobs, skills and building a globally competitive supply chain that delivers long-term economic growth.
“We look forward to welcoming Michael Shanks and demonstrating how our integrated mix of assets, expertise and project pipeline provides a practical, investable solution to UK energy security and why this region must be central to government plans.
“SNS is not just our flagship event. It represents what this region does best: a fully integrated energy system, a coordinated supply chain and a single, confident voice capable of helping to deliver the UK’s energy future at pace and scale.”
April Issue 2026
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