3rd February 2026
Leaders gather at Essex Energy Summit to power growth, skills and energy innovation |
| Essex Energy Summit, hosted by the Essex Growth Agency, explores the opportunity offered by green energy projects in the region.
More than 140 businesses, innovators, educators and community partners came together in Chelmsford last week, to network and explore what more can be done to secure sufficient, affordable energy in Essex. The Essex Energy Summit was hosted by Essex County Council’s Essex Growth Agency. It focused on the many energy projects planned for the region in the coming years and highlighted how these projects could create new jobs and attract investment for local communities. Delegates included representatives from energy leaders RWE, Cadent, East Wind, EDF, the National Grid, Freeport East, Gulermak and Catapult. Also in attendance were local suppliers and students from the Colchester Institute and Anglia Ruskin University. Opening the event, Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Communities, Transformation and Economic Growth, underlined Essex’s role in ensuring we have the right power infrastructure in place to cope with growing demands. She said: “Essex has the ambition, investment and momentum to become a national powerhouse for energy generation, with billions already flowing into the sector – and a workforce pipeline growing through our colleges and universities – we’re ready to lead. “But partnerships and local considerations are essential: industry, government, education and communities working together to turn opportunity into both jobs and long term growth that works for local Essex people and businesses.” Attendees of the Energy Summit enjoyed presentations on innovation, supply chain and the skilled workforce, exploring practical actions to accelerate delivery. SMEs and students from the region were given the opportunity to network with major employers in the energy sector. Across the panels, speakers repeatedly highlighted the need for closer collaboration. Industry leaders, skills providers and businesses all agreed joint working would need to underpin the county’s future energy strategy. Across Essex, £26 billion of infrastructure investment is planned and underway – from roads and rail to digital networks and energy. Major developments such as Stansted, London Gateway, Freeports and the Lower Thames Crossing will support thousands of high value jobs. Energy Summit participants also addressed key barriers to growth including:
Councillor McKinlay added: “Essex County Council is keeping energy and sustainability at the heart of our growth plans – backing the right infrastructure, ensuring residents have the skills they need to work in the energy sector, giving businesses the clarity they need to invest and pushing to ensure communities feel the benefits.” Councillor Peter Schwier, Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling, said: “Clean energy isn’t just an economic opportunity, it’s essential to protecting Essex’s landscape for future generations. By working hand in hand with industry and our partners and communities, we can accelerate the shift to renewable power while protecting Essex’s natural environment. “The momentum we’ve seen at the Summit shows that Essex is ready to deliver real, lasting environmental change.” ENDS Notes to editors: The event was held at Hylands House in Chelmsford on Wednesday 28 January. Two photographs from the Summit are available to download below. Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Communities, Transformation and Economic Growth, opens the Essex Energy Summit More than 140 businesses, innovators, educators and community partners came together at the Essex Energy Summit Essex Growth Agency The Essex Growth Agency (EGA) connects businesses and residents to opportunities, funding, and skills to drive economic growth across the region and is supported by Essex County Council. For more information about the EGA and how to access support, visit www.essexgrowthagency.co.uk. |