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Sustainable energy sources for Bristol are going to be discussed at a conference in the city this morning.

Experts in Civil Engineering say the West needs to move fast if the region is going to meet government targets by 2020.

A recent report by the energy watchdog, Ofgem revealed that Britain faces power shortages in the coming years, if nothing is done now.

The event will be chaired by Professor Colin Taylor, who is Head of Civil Engineering at the University of Bristol and Chairman of ICE South West.

He told us: "We're starting to make inroads into sustainable energy but there's still a long way to go.  Bristol itself has got a growing reputation as a green city and there are lots of initiatives which are starting off around the city and the city region and the next step really is to try and tie these together in a more effective way and really get a more holistic view, a more connected view about how to deliver sustainable energy into the long term. There are lots of strategic issues involved with that and also a lot of commerical issues. Some of the technologies still need quite a lot of work to develop them so that they're proper commercial propositions. And someone like myself. who's a researcher, is very much interested in trying to identify the best solutions to use and to be focused on into the future."

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) say they will look at how the region can maximise its delivery of renewable energy and reduce its reliance on carbon-based fuels.

Experts at the conference will also review current and future technologies, the roll out of a low carbon infrastructure and funding opportunities for businesses involved in delivery and transition.

Barry Griffiths, Regional Director of ICE South West, said:  "There are many energy problems facing the country in the future.  This conference shows the region is a step ahead in bringing expertise together to discuss these challenges.

"The recent announcement by the Crown Estate regarding the bidders for offshore wind farms - including one in the Bristol Channel - shows we are finally beginning to address our future energy needs.

"This conference is a timely opportunity to examine the whole picture 
for the South West in terms of renewable and low carbon energy, the 
low carbon economy, energy security and transport."

For more information, go to the ICE website: www.ice-southwest.org.uk

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