Deep into the second year of Europe’s largest war since World War II, global geopolitical tensions continue to rise.

Tension has spread well beyond Eastern Europe, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which risks spilling further into the Middle East. China’s military build-up and aggressive rhetoric threatens Taiwan, the South China sea, and the region more widely.

Globally, divisions broaden as nations align themselves within various conflicts. Russia’s allies provide steadfast support in their war through the means of arms, munitions, and sanction evasion support. BRICS countries emphasise the need to “de-dollarise” the global economy and call for the evolution—and often revolution—of the Bretton Woods institutions and more extensive systems of international governance and dispute resolution.

Energy prices remind us yet again that geopolitical instability, particularly with Russian and Middle Eastern involvement, disproportionately impacts the energy sector.

Political, and private sector, responses are predictable.

The US and, to a lesser extent, European Governments are taking major steps to bring key energy supply chains home, reshoring production.

Renewables—the lowest-cost substitute for these globally traded fossil fuels in many applications—are being deployed at unprecedented pace on both sides of the Atlantic and globally, despite CAPEX and grid access challenges.

In OECD countries, much of the low-hanging fruit in renewables buildout is rapidly being harvested. We’re building cheap renewables in desirable locations and utilising existing grid infrastructure.

The hard work of deep decarbonisation of the power sector remains to be done. This will include massive grid expansion, market reform to encourage efficient investment and operational decisions, and supportive policy that can encourage the next wave of fledging technologies.

There remains a vast amount of renewable potential to be unlocked in rapidly developing countries like India and Brazil.

Facing this uncertainty, the Aurora Spring Forum 2024 aimed to deliver a comprehensive stocktake of the current situation and provided a detailed evaluation of future implications.

Returning for its 10th edition in Oxford on Tuesday 26 March 2024, the Aurora Spring Forum continued to be the most senior and exclusive gathering within the energy industry in Europe, bringing together the biggest utilities, policy makers, investors, and other players in the energy space.

Crucial insights were gained from speakers including Graham Stuart, UK Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero; Francesco Starace, Former CEO, Enel; Partner, EQT Infrastructure; Ana Paula Marques, CEO, EDP Spain; As Tempelman, CEO, Eneco; Greg Jackson, Founder & CEO, Octopus Energy; Hunter Hunt, Chairman & CEO, Hunt Energy; and many more.

The day was filled with premium debates and discussions as well as unparalleled networking opportunities, including a networking lunch, a drinks reception, a networking dinner in the evening, and an after-dinner drinks reception.

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