Protest at energy conference

Climate change campaigners have slammed a landmark conference taking place today for being geared towards exploiting local gas and oil reserves.

The Lincolnshire Energy Conference is billed as a pivotal event designed to help shape the future of energy use and generation for the county and beyond.

However, the local Extinction Rebellion group says the list of speakers includes climate change sceptics and those who have a vested interest in exploiting Lincolnshire’s resources.

Spokesperson, Rosemary Robinson, explained the group’s silent protest outside the conference at the Sir Isaac Newton Building at the University of Lincoln where members wore gags to symbolise the voices that will not be heard.

 “I know of several members of voluntary groups with an interest in climate change and the transition from fossil fuels, whose applications to attend the conference have been refused.” Campaigners were hoping that the conference would also be an opportunity for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations that have an interest in net zero transition would be part of the conversation.

“Our view that the conference will be biased in favour of continued fossil fuel exploration and exploitation in the county is confirmed by the list of speakers. 

“Dr John Constable and County Councillor Colin Davie are both directors of the Renewable Energy Foundation, a charity which has close ties to the climate science denial campaign group the Global Warming Policy Foundation. 

“George Yates is the president and CEO of Heyco Energy Group, a fossil fuel exploration and investment company based in Texas. He will be making an announcement about the vast gas reserves recently discovered in the Gainsborough Trough*, no doubt lobbying to extract the gas by fracking. 

“The Labour Government has banned fracking and will issue no new oil and gas licences, but we cannot be complacent in the face of the huge and influential fossil fuel companies which will go to any lengths to maximise profits, knowingly risking the lives of billions as CO2 emissions continue to heat the planet to dangerous levels.”

Conference organiser Cllr Davie, is Lincolnshire County Council’s executive member for economy, environment and planning said: “Lincolnshire has a vital role to play in shaping the future of energy in the UK. This conference is a unique opportunity for business leaders to come together, explore innovative solutions, and drive the conversation about the transition to net zero while ensuring economic growth and resilience for our communities.”

• The giant gas field discovered under Gainsborough is worth around £112bn and could fuel the country for a decade according to reports.

Look out for Hello Lincoln’s coverage of the conference.

Rebecca Poole’s picture shows protestors outside the conference this morning.