DTI launches energy partnership

The

today launched an industry-government body to help the

fight climate change and address an energy sector skills gap.

The Energy Research Partnership (ERP) brings together academia, government and the energy industry in a Treasury-inspired initiative designed to direct UK energy research, development, demonstration and deployment.

The organisation is informal and non-legislative, with no public policy agenda. However, they will work with members of the Government’s Energy Review to help set the policy framework for climate change issues.

Members will meet four times a year, with sub-groups meeting more regularly to discuss the group’s overall purpose, prioritisation of issues, and skills. Information from the ERP will be disseminated via a web site and companies will be able to consult the body on specific issues.

The Partnership, which also aims to help increase the level and impact of national R&D activity, will be co-chaired by Sir David King, the Government’s Chief Scientist, and Dr Paul Golby, Chief Executive of E.ON UK, one of the UK’s leading energy suppliers.