With this in mind UKTI organised a week long UK roadshow 4-8 February focused on promoting the opportunity and holding in depth meetings with UK companies interested in expanding their business in the region.
The week kicked off on Sunday evening with an inaugural dinner of the Emerging Europe Energy Council hosted by UKTI Business Ambassador and HMA Robin Barnett, British Ambassador to Warsaw and Director of the FCO Emerging Europe Network. Over the course of the year the Council will be organising a range of high profile events across the region culminating with COP in Warsaw at the end of the year. For more information contact Patrick Ney, Director, UKTI Energy Unit, British Embassy Warsaw.
On Monday morning the British Embassy Commercial Diplomacy team lead bilateral meetings between representatives of DECC and Poland’s Ministry of Economy and Board Representatives of the country’s energy company which is engaging in nuclear power, PGE – a broad agenda and a commitment to work together on sharing synergies on opportunities, Contract for Differences and financing energy facilities.
Monday afternoon saw a high profile Emerging Europe Nuclear Forum right in the heart of the City of London. HMA Robin Barnett opened the forum with a pragmatic, delphic review of the region’s energy opportunity – coal; nuclear and gas. Excellent opener followed by a series of working sessions which were focused on understanding specific countries’ opportunities and sharing UK experience.
Monday evening Lord Hutton, Chairman of the UK Nuclear Industries Association and HMA Robin Barnett hosted a Nuclear Energy Dinner at 1 George St. A Great opportunity to network with experts and focus on the significant energy potential in Emerging Europe. A commitment from the UK NIA to work together to deliver high value projects in the region.
Tuesday and Wednesday saw the UKTI Global Nuclear Showcase. Countries from across the world meeting in Central London to highlight the UKs global competency in civil nuclear. A rich programme of plenary meetings and most importantly active business development programmes for representatives of UK business and authorities contracting nuclear projects.
Thursday and Friday – a series of meetings with OFGEM, the CBI and financial institutions aimed at cascading the regional energy opportunity and attracting companies to engage in our GREAT region.