The Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM) exhibited at the Liberal Democrats Spring 2012 Conference, which took place at The Sage centre in Gateshead from 9th – 11th March 2012.

It is the first time IGEM has exhibited at a political party’s conference and it gave the organisation a chance to raise its profile with senior Liberal Democrats holding key posts in the Coalition Government. IGEM met Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg, Vince Cable (Business Secretary), Danny Alexander (Chief Secretary to the Treasury) and Ed Davey (Energy Secretary).

During visits to IGEM’s area, the ministers discussed IGEM’s work producing expert reports on a number of subjects closely related to energy politics, including shale gas viability in the UK, and fuel poverty, and IGEM’s role as a membership body for the UK and international gas industries.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey was keen to learn more about IGEM’s work in promoting engineering, apprenticeships and ‘upskilling’ of engineers in the gas industry, linking it to the Government’s ‘Green deal’ initiative. Mr Davey asked about the standards IGEM creates to promote safety and environmental standards for the industry. The Energy Secretary has an interest in the role that gas might play as the UK moves towards a lower carbon and sustainable future. He said: “gas is very important to our energy mix and we recognise its role in the transition to a low carbon economy”.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg asked questions about IGEM’s reports, showing a particular interest in fuel poverty, and shale gas. He also appeared keen to learn about how IGEM’s Industrial Affiliates membership which includes key energy companies and organisations works. Mr Clegg said: “We are keen to get people like you on board for the Green deal. We are very keen to spread our bets on energy and are not overall relying on any one particular source. It is about having a diverse energy mix. If it can be done we would like to do it.”

Dr Vince Cable, Business Secretary highlighted the need for growth in the economy revealing “thousands of apprenticeships, particularly in green technology sector, would be financed through the Green deal.” He also expressed interest in how the gas industry could upskill to it. Dr Cable said: “Gas continues to be important and we should continue to invest in new technologies which make energy more efficient.” On the subject of Shale gas he affirmed: “We need to explore the potential of unconventional gas, along with developing standards, it has potential”.

Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander pressed the government’s stance on carbon taxation stating.” We have put in place a ‘carbon price floor’ and we are part of the new emissions trading scheme. We think this will help to send a clear message about our transition to a reliable and energy efficient economy.”

The conference also proved a unique opportunity for IGEM associates to introduce their work to senior scientists, advisers, back-bencher MPs and members of the House of Lords who stopped to find out more about the organisation.

Other exhibitors at the conference included IGEM Industrial Affiliate member Carillion, who coincidentally occupied the next-door space.

Overall, IGEM was impressed by the conference facilities, the location and especially the help of all the support staff, with special thanks to Sian Norris-Copson who coordinated the VIP visits and to Liberal Democrat councilor for Maidstone Kent, Dave Naghi, who helped introduce IGEM to parliamentary candidates.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Wallace

* Donna Richardson works for the Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM)