Event Information

In this webinar, learn about the transition to net zero, scenarios in a future net zero economy and join in with a discussion on the biggest challenges and opportunities these present.

Key topics

• Scenarios and opportunities in a future net zero economy
• The transition to net zero, how it requires system change and the ability to rapidly scale innovation
• How smart financing and investment can accelerate the transition, drive growth and create competitive advantage for businesses and the UK
• How investors are demanding better quality sustainability reporting and for climate risks to be costed in a company’s business plan and financial statements

About the speakers

Tania Songini, Non-Executive Director, Energy Systems Catapult (Chair)
Tania is a Non-Executive Director (NED) at Energy Systems Catapult. The former Finance Director of Siemens Energy UK, she has built a portfolio of five NED roles focussed on the energy transition. These include the board of Thrive Renewables plc (a mid-sized renewable energy developer and operator), The Private Infrastructure Development Group (a development finance fund for infrastructure projects in the poorest countries of Africa and Asia) and Guernsey Electricity (the sole electricity utility on the island of Guernsey). She recently joined the board of the UK Infrastructure Bank.

Asif Chowdhury, Audit Director, EY
Asif Chowdhury is an Audit Director at EY, with significant experience in audit of FTSE-listed companies in the Energy and Consumer Products sector. In his role, Asif works with leading companies and investors on ESG reporting and helping assess the impact of climate risk on financial statements. Recently, Asif completed a secondment as Chief of Staff to EY’s Global Vice Chair – Sustainability and during that helped set up EY’s global sustainability strategy and launch EY’s commitment to be net zero by 2025. He was also part of the team that set up the CSO forum “S3O”, which is sponsored by HRH Prince of Wales. In 2021, Asif was nominated by EY to take part in the annual leadership programme with World Business Council For Sustainable Development. Asif is part of EY UK’s Energy Board and also a member of the ICAEW Energy Advisory Committee.

James Close, Head of Climate Change, NatWest Group
James has spent his career working at the interface of the public and private sectors with a focus on mobilising finance. He is now committed to working on some of the most challenging global issues focusing on sustainable development and climate change. He is currently the head of climate change at NatWest Group supporting the implementation of the bank’s purpose-led strategy which includes the role of principal sponsor of CoP26. He is also a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Advisory Group for the ICAEW and a trustee for the Trust for Sustainable Living. Prior to this role, he was the head of the circular economy programme for London. Before returning to the UK, James spent 5 years in Washington, D.C. as the Director for Climate Change at the World Bank. Prior to joining the World Bank, he was a partner in the Corporate Finance Practice of the accounting firm, EY and also worked for HM Treasury. James has a degree in Chemistry from the University of Durham and is a member of the Institute of Chartered accountants of England and Wales.

Guy Newey, Director of Strategy and Performance, Energy Systems Catapult
Guy joined Energy Systems Catapult in 2018 as Director of Strategy and Performance after roles as Energy and Climate Adviser to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark, and as a Special Adviser to previous BEIS Secretary Amber Rudd. In Government, he was involved in many key decisions, including closing the UK’s coal-fired power stations, greater independence for the electricity system operator, and as an architect of the Clean Growth Strategy. Before joining Government, he was Head of Policy at energy supplier, OVO Energy and worked at the think tank, Policy Exchange, where he was Head of Environment and Energy. He was previously a journalist, including three years as a foreign correspondent in Hong Kong for the newswire, AFP. He is a non-executive director with UK100, a charity campaigning for greater environmental action by local authorities. Guy was appointed Chief Executive Officer in June 2022.

Costs

Members of the Energy & Natural Resources Community are able to attend this webinar for free. To find out more, or to join the Community online for free, please follow the link.