Acclaimed author headlines Dorset energy debate on achieving net zero

An impressive array of experts have been invited by eco groups Planet Purbeck and DorsetCAN to lead a public debate on the energy crisis and what we can do about it.

Chris Goodall, an internationally-renowned speaker on decarbonisation and author of the critically-acclaimed book What We Need To Do Now, will be talking about home heating, renewable electricity and green hydrogen.

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Chris Goodall
Chris Goodall

Author of What we need to do now, Chris Goodall

“Virtually nothing is being done about it”

With the cost of energy rapidly increasing and the security of supply under threat, the open-to-all forum on Thursday 14th July 2022, will explore the possibilities for energy security and net zero in Dorset.

Chris Goodall heads a team of four contributors who will address the debate and answer questions. He said:

“I’ll be talking about the urgent need for more investment in decarbonising home heating.

“This is even more important than moving to zero emissions in electricity supply. More carbon emissions come from home heating than power generation but virtually nothing is being done about it.”

Rob Waitt

Founder of Planet Purbeck Rob Waitt

Cost of energy rapidly increasing

Planet Purbeck’s Rob Waitt said:

“With attention now focused on the cost and security of energy it’s the perfect time to hold an event exploring solutions to these pressing issues.

“We are delighted to offer a tremendous breadth of knowledge and suggestions from our four experts. It will be informal, anyone can join in and we can guarantee a very lively debate.”

ralph watts
ralph watts

Ralph Watts’s career has covered all aspects of the energy industry, including hydroelectric power, coal fired power, carbon capture and storage, renewable energy, and electrical transmission and distribution

“There are many questions to consider”

The others, all Dorset residents, are Poppy Maltby, of independent sustainable energy advisers Regen, ex-naval commander Professor Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti, who has been a climate and energy security envoy for the UK Government, and nuclear engineer Ralph Watts, of the UK Atomic Energy Authority at Winfrith.

Ralph Watts said:

“There are many questions to consider. How many people will switch to electric cars, and when? How many households will switch from gas heating to heat pumps, and when?

“What will be the role for hydrogen and grid storage batteries? How much of the electricity demand in Dorset will be generated by new renewable energy installations?”

Poppy Maltby
Regen

Poppy Maltby is Head of Cities and Regions at Regen, a not-for-profit centre of energy expertise and market insight whose mission is to transform the world’s energy systems for a zero carbon future

Neil Morisetti
Neil Morisetti

Neil Morisetti is Professor of Climate and Resource Security at University College London

Informal chat following the debate

The debate will be held on Zoom from 7 pm on Thursday 14th July 2022 and there will be a “virtual pub” afterwards at which the experts will be available for informal chats.

Further information

To join the meeting, register via Planet Purbeck’s website

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