Midlands Energy Conference 2025

The seventh annual Midlands Energy Conference, held as a partnership between the University of Nottingham Energy Institute and East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, took place on 3 December 2025 at the impressive Masson Mills site built by Sir Richard Arkwright in 1783 to utilise the water power of the River Derwent for the mass production of spun cotton. The mills are part Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site and are powered by the River Derwent today producing renewable energy via hydro electric turbines. An ideal venue at which to meet to discuss the future of energy.

Richard Blackmore, East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight,  opened the conference, followed by Ben Sumner,  Innovation Cluster Director, who welcomed delegates on behalf of the University of Nottingham and spoke about key opportunities for the region.

Agenda highlights included Professor David Grant, Director of the University’s Energy Institute, who detailed ways for businesses and energy stakeholders to work with academics and researchers on energy transition initiatives. David then introduced the next generation of energy researchers to speak about their projects. Linnan Sun, an Anne McLaren Fellow, spoke about the electrification of aircraft, Amelia-Rose Edgley, a PhD student in sustainable hydrogen, spoke about materials for the transportation of hydrogen generated offshore, and Mitchell Searjeant, a PhD researcher in community energy, spoke about how forecasting can be used to optimise community energy.

Ben Bradley, Head of Communications and Engagement for UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, spoke about the opportunities for jobs and growth being opened up by the siting of fusion initiatives at the West Burton former coal fired power station and a commitment of £2.5 billion from UK Government announced in 2025 for the next five years.

East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Director of Green Growth and Climate Resilience Michael Gallagher spoke about delivering change for the region. Speaking afterwards he said: 

There are huge opportunities to create significant jobs in the region, to support people to come out of fuel poverty and to create the opportunities in the region that have been lacking for so long, for which the potential is so significant. We really want to harness the heft of the region and help drive those opportunities forward and of course support clean energy transition.

“Conversations like this with business and academics are critical. We can’t do anything as individual organisations when it comes to achieving the overall target of net zero by 2050; we can only do it by working in collaboration across the public-private sector, working with our universities and others as well. It’s only with proper collaboration and shared vision we are going to achieve our overall objectives and aims.”

Panel discussions followed, with an engaged audience quizzing panelists about the topics of the day.

Hearing from all the speakers and panellists it is clear we have a big opportunity to be at the forefront of energy creation, storage and innovation. Along with the will, innovative industry and the regional political frameworks, which will ensure we have the support and skills to drive this agenda forward, the East Midlands can be at the forefront of the transition to clean, green energy.

Many thanks to East Midlands Chamber for doing such an great job in working with us in the organisation of the event, and providing excellent hosting on the day. 

Full list of speakers:

Richard Blackmore
Director of Policay and Insight, East Midlands Chamber

Ben Sumner
Innovation Clusters Director, University of Nottingham

Dean Needle
Director, Derwent Hydroelectric Power

Fei Zheng
Project Director, The Derby Energy Network

David Grant
Director, University of Nottingham Energy Institue

Linnan Sun
Anne McLaren Fellow, University of Nottingham

Amelia-Rose Edgley
PhD student in sustainable hydrogen, University of Nottingham

Mitchell Searjeant
PhD researcher in community energy systems, University of Nottingham

Michael Gallagher
Director of Green Growth and Climate Resilience, East Midlands Combined Country Authority (EMCCA)

Ben Bradley
Head of Communications and Engagement, UK Industrial Fusion Solutions

Adam Hinds
Director, R&P Clean Power

John Egan
CEO, Peak Cluster

Jaz Aujla
Strategic Energy Partner, Flogas, part of DCC Energy UK

If you would like to find out more or are interested in collaborating with the University please contact us.