The Midlands Energy Consortium – a partnership between the universities of Birmingham, Loughborough and Nottingham – is at the forefront of energy research.

MEC comprises more than 200 academics and nearly 1,000 postgraduate students active in energy research – spanning renewable energy, carbon capture and storage technologies, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, energy storage, and energy demand reduction.

Alongside a vast programme of academic research, MEC works with a range of industry partners on innovative research projects which address the key energy issues affecting us all.

In January, leading experts from the Consortium will be at Loughborough University to take part in a public debate on energy, focusing on the UK’s commitment to decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 80% before 2050.

The debate – Power Shift: what will the energy landscape look like in 2050? – will explore ways to ensure a steady supply of energy whilst cutting carbon emissions as well as the issues around fossil fuels and renewal energy, and the role we all play as consumers in the challenge to move towards sustainable clean energy sources.

The panel – which will offer expert opinion before the floor is opened for questions and debate – will comprise:

• Peter Dodd – Energy Technologies Institute (Chair)
• Professor Kevin Lomas – Loughborough University
• Dr Jonathan Radcliffe – University of Birmingham
• Professor Colin Snape – The University of Nottingham
• Professor Simon Watson – Loughborough University

The event – on Tuesday 14 January 2014 from 4.00-6.00pm – is open to the general public and is suitable for anyone from 16 years upward who has a professional or personal interest in energy and sustainability.

To find out more and register your attendance, please visit www.bit.ly/EnergyDebateLoughborough