DONG Energy was formed through the merger of several Danish energy companies around a decade ago. With a strong focus on exploring for and producing oil and gas, the newly formed company recognised the huge potential for low carbon generation to become a disruptor to the status quo, and took the bold step of moving into the more or less unknown technology of offshore wind. In this talk, Benj Sykes will take you on DONG Energy’s journey to becoming the world leader in offshore wind, and share his views on where the energy mix is heading – and what might stop us getting there.

Benj Sykes is UK Country Manager and Head of Programme Asset Management in DONG Energy’s Offshore Wind business. After setting up the Asset Management business with P&L responsibility for their portfolio of operational offshore wind farms across NW Europe, he is now focussed on the company’s extensive portfolio of pre-operational assets. He co-chairs the Offshore Wind Industry Council alongside the Energy Minister. Benj joined DONG Energy from the Carbon Trust where he led the company’s multi-million pound technology innovation activities including the Offshore Wind Accelerator. Previously Benj worked in the upstream oil and gas industry, most recently at Hess Corporation, a Fortune 100 Oil and Gas company. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society and the Energy Institute.