Today’s young professionals will be leading this country’s energy future, which is why a newly created Young Energy Professionals Network (YEPN) is seeking to strengthen their future opportunities.
The YEPN, created with the support of the BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC), is focussed on promoting networking opportunities and encouraging knowledge-sharing.
Jenny Lackey, one of the network’s leaders and Manager Strategy and Programme Portfolio at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), says New Zealand’s young energy professionals have a lot to contribute.
“Young energy delegates from New Zealand have impressed at international events. By giving our young energy professionals the opportunity to discuss thorny energy issues and build networks within the sector, we are also giving them a chance to broaden their understanding of the energy sector in a short period of time.
“The YEPN also serves as an ideal platform to select the next cohort of Future Energy Leaders for the 2016 World Energy Council, World Energy Congress in Istanbul,” said Ms Lackey.
Dr Rob Whitney, Chair of the BEC, said the BEC was pleased to support the development of New Zealand’s young energy professionals.
“New Zealand continues to score well in the World Energy Council’s Energy Sustainability Index, which ranks countries on how well they achieve the energy ‘trilemma’ balance of security, equity and sustainability. However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels.
“In order for New Zealand to continue to effectively manage the energy trilemma and even improve on it, we need to give our future energy leaders every possible opportunity to deepen and broaden their understanding of the energy sector, and increase their ability to make connections both locally and internationally. This sort of exposure and knowledge will serve them well when they are leading this country’s energy journey in the future.
“Enabling the development of young energy professionals will in turn help shape an energy future for New Zealand that is secure, equitable and sustainable,” said Dr Whitney.
The YEPN is now accepting members, and aims to hold its first event in February 2015.
“We hope to attract a wide range of young professionals working in the broader energy sector, from both the private and public sectors, across business and academia and across a range of disciplines,” said Ms Lackey.
Expressions of interest should be directed to [email protected]. More information can be found at www.bec.org.nz/yepn.
Contact: Jenny Lackey 027 837 6062 or Rob Whitney 027 292 1050
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