Xiao-Ping Zhang
Chair in Electrical Power Systems
Co-Director, Birmingham Energy Institute
University of Birmingham

The First Industrial Revolution began in Birmingham, marked by the establishment of the steam engine factory by Matthew Boulton and James Watt. Building on this legacy, bringing energy events to the West Midlands — the UK’s energy capital — plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and advancing resilient energy systems to support the Net Zero transition. With a high concentration of energy companies in the region, these events provide exceptional opportunities for networking, unlocking the potential of transformative energy solutions, inspiring the next generation of talent, and positioning the West Midlands at the forefront of technological progress in the energy sector.