The Race to Power the Future
ALARP 2026
3 December 2026
One Birdcage Walk, London
Climate change has moved from hotly debated theory to undeniable reality. The policy discussion is moving from prevention to adaptation. Meanwhile, targets for limiting temperature rises are set and missed.
This raises urgent and difficult questions.
Is net zero power achievable within a timeframe that limits the earth suffering devastating consequences?
Is it practical, affordable or compatible with our need for energy security in a world with complex geopolitics?
How can technology support the transition?
What is the role of mechanical engineering in achieving this?
Can we develop the future workforce to meet our goals?
IMechE’s Power Industries Division, Energy Environment and Sustainability Group and the Education and Skills Strategy Board have joined forces for this Prestige Lecture to examine the challenge and explore some of the answers.
Guy Newey, CEO of the Energy Systems Catapult, will open the evening by asking – Are we all Doomed? With a challenge as huge and complex as this, only a systems approach using many different energy solutions will be able to deliver the transition. Delivering this will take all the best talent and ideas that the next generation of engineers can muster.
This will be followed by a round of lightning talks by experts in energy, sustainability and STEM education, after which presenters will gather for a panel discussion.
The evening will conclude with a networking reception, including drinks and a range of bowl food. We hope you can join us for a thought-provoking evening.
Join IMechE's Power Industries Division, Energy Environment and Sustainability Group and the Education and Skills Strategy Board to
Hear from a leading expert on energy systems and one of the architects of the UK's Clean Growth Strategy
Join in the Panel Discussions with expert speakers from across IMechE's Divisions and Groups
Understand how climate change will affect your future and shape your career options
Network with peers, experts, employers and policymakers
MEET OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER
GUY NEWEY, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Systems Catapult
Guy was appointed Chief Executive Officer at Energy Systems Catapult, an independent research and technology centre focused on clean energy innovation, in June 2022. Guy joined the Catapult in 2018 as Director of Strategy after being an energy and political adviser to two UK Government Secretaries of State; Greg Clark and Amber Rudd. In Government,
he was involved in many key decisions, including closing the UK’s coal-fired power stations, greater independence for the electricity system operator, and as an architect of the Clean Growth Strategy.
Before joining Government, he was Head of Policy at the challenger energy supplier, OVO Energy and Head of Environment and Energy at the influential think tank, Policy Exchange. He was previously a journalist, including three years as a foreign correspondent in Hong Kong for the international newswire, AFP. He is a non-executive director with UK100, a charity campaigning for greater environmental action by local authorities.