Tees message goes global
HOME-grown energy expertise from the Tees Valley was showcased to students from around the globe at a student summit in Calgary.
Ian Waller, from Stockton energy consultants Five Bar Gate, gave a talk on green fuels for hundreds of students at the International Student Energy Summit.
Attracting around 500 delegates, the three-day forum was held to help educate the next generation of energy leaders who will support the global shift towards a more sustainable energy future. Former Mexican president Vicente Fox was a key speaker at the summit, alongside a range of recognised experts.
“The students were bright, sharp and very well-informed,” said Ian.
“I spoke about biomass, biofuels and the importance of sustainability. What was interesting is that the students understood the issue and the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“They had done all the reading and research and accepted something needs to be done to reduce emissions, and the question they are asking now is how.
“When we spend so much time listening to politicians who are interested in votes, talking to a room full of people that just want to make a difference was brilliant.”
Delegates included students of engineering, science, economics, psychology and agriculture from both North and South America, Africa and Europe.
Conference organiser Melea Nicholson said: “The diversity in student backgrounds, views, and interests was exactly what we on the ISES planning committee had envisioned. I think the same can be said of the topics and speakers.”
