Overview of the Westminster Energy Forum

The Westminster Energy Forum (WEF), founded 2004, is an established Knowledge Exchange Programme and Senior Leadership Network comprising over 150 organisations from the UK government, regulators, industry, NGOs and diplomats. The WEF aims to:

Deliver expert risk analysis, early warning and strategic guidance for senior leaders in support of a resilient low carbon transition.

In pursuit of this strategic goal, the WEF Secretariat delivers a series of high-level meetings throughout the political year which have the following operational focus:

The evaluation of risks found at the intersection of dynamic and disruptive energy markets, climate change and (geo)political uncertainty.

AGENDA

Session One:

Energy Market Hot Topics and Risk Trends: Implications of (Geo)Political and Economic Competitions

Global Energy Market mid-year review and the geopolitical contexts in play

Brendan Cronin, Director, AFRY

Evaluating and managing the relevant risk landscape

Andrew Herring, Global Chair of Energy and Power, Marsh

Session Two:

Reviewing International Strategies for the Transition in Uncertain Times

Sophia Brecknell, Head, International Energy Unit, FCDO-DESNZ

Pelin Zorlu, Senior Research Fellow Lead, Climate and Energy, Chatham House

Derailment Risks: Climate Change - the Latest on the Atlantic Meridonal Overturning Current  (AMOC)

Dr. Jonathan Baker, Senior Climate Scientist, UK MetOffice

Session Three:

Derailment Risks: Industrial Perspectives - Potential Pitfalls Ahead for Delivering Energy Transitions

Helen Barrow, Managing Director – Power Generation and Net-Zero Solutions, Accenture

Stuart Testar, Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy, Baker Hughes

Simon Cutler, Senior Manager Global Policy & Advocacy, Fortescue

Session Four:

Diplomatic Perspectives on EU & Global Challenges Around Climate Change and Decarbonisation

Philippe Wen, Financial Counsellor, Deputy Head of the Economic Section, Embassy of France (France 2026 G7 Presidency)

Elisabeth Bowes PSM, Deputy High Commissioner, Australian High Commission (COP31 President of Negotiations)