A TOP BP boss will lead a regional conference on the future of the energy industry.

Paul Appleby, BP’s head of energy economics, will speak at an event organised by NOF Energy, the business development organisation for the oil, gas, nuclear, offshore and renewable sectors.

The conference will explore the need for a balanced energy mix and how future energies can be included.

Mr Appleby said: “This is a key date attracting decision-makers from across the sector.

“I’m looking forward to meeting some of them to discuss the issues we are facing.

“I’ll be covering the long-term outlook for global energy, focusing on oil and gas, but including all the primary fuels.”

The event, called Energy: A Balanced Future, will also include speakers Jon Gluyas, of Durham Energy Institute, Nigel Lees, of Wood Group PSN, and Brent Cheshire, from Dong Energy.

Keith Parker, from The Nuclear Industry Association, Jeffrey Blair, of the Greater Houston Partnership, Kurt Foreman, from the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, and NOF Energy chairman Paul Charlton, will also be present.

Caroline Lofthouse, NOF Energy’s business development manager, added: “Delegates will be getting the most cutting-edge opinions and guidance from the people who are shaping the future of our industry.”

The conference takes place on March 11 at Sage Gateshead.

Contact Kristie Leng on 0191-384-6464, email kleng@nofenergy.co.uk or visit energyabalancedfuture.com for more information.