The man behind an influential report on extending the future of the North Sea oil and gas industry will be a keynote speaker at the East of England Energy Group’s EEEGR2014 Conference in July.

Sir Ian Wood will outline the key issues identified in his review, describe progress since its publication and discuss the potential impact for the East of England.

The Wood Report, which was commissioned by Government, concluded that the British economy could benefit by up to £200billion over the next 20 years by maximising resources and extending the life of the industry to recover an additional 3bn to 4bn barrels of North Sea oil and gas.

Simon Gray, chief executive of EEEGR, said he believed Sir Ian’s recommendations would lead to a renaissance of gas production in the Southern North Sea, adding: “It was great to see him tackle so many key issues and encourage urgent action.”

It is one of many issues across the energy industry which will come under scrutiny from hundreds of delegates at EEEGR2014, to be held at the

Prospects for unconventional gas recovery will also feature strongly in the programme for EEEGR20014, which will be held at the John Innes Conference Centre in Norwich on Thursday, July 3 and will touch on nearly all of the varied resources which make the region a leading all energy hub.

“The contribution of our region is imperative to the UK’s future energy needs and the conference is all about the action needed and the opportunities arising whatever branch of energy you are involved in,” said Mr Gray.

Shadow Energy Minister Tom Greatrex will be another key speaker at the conference, putting a political slant on the industry’s future.

Also lined up as speakers are Tim Watkins, Sizewell A, Magnox; Andrew Austin, Igas Energy; Duarte Figueira, Department of Energy and Climate Change; Olivia Hartridge, Morgan Stanley; David Williams, Eco2; Jonathan Selwyn, Lark Energy; George Grant, Watt Power/Stag Energy/Progress; Basil Scarsella, UK Power Networks; and James Bream, Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, with Judith Patten of All Energy as facilitator.

The previous day, July 2, will see EEEGR’s Energy Innovation Award entries presented and judged at the Norwich City ground’s Top of the Terrace, with the awards handed out at a gala dinner in the evening.

EEEGR2014 and the Innovation Awards are both part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. To book delegate or exhibition spaces at EEEGR2014 or tickets for the awards dinner, call 01493 446535 or visit www.eeegr.com .