South West’s Energy Future in Focus at High-Level Round Table in Bristol

Leaders from across the energy, technology and investment sectors came together in Bristol for a high-level round table exploring the South West’s energy potential, from offshore wind to AI, battery storage, and circular economy solutions.

Held at the Engine Shed, the event was hosted by Acuity Law with Purpose and chaired by Stuart Pringle, founder of Re-Tech Events.

The session focused on the urgent infrastructure, policy, and skills challenges that must be addressed for the South West, and neighbouring regions such as South Wales, to unlock their strategic role in the UK’s clean energy transition.

Attendees emphasised the critical need for upgraded port infrastructure, faster grid connections, and a clear industrial strategy that rewards local supply chains and skills development.

Speakers shared insights into the global competition for investment, and the opportunity for the South West to carve out a leadership position if it can offer certainty, capability, and community engagement.

Key discussion points included:

• Port Infrastructure: Urgent upgrades are required to support deployment and servicing of offshore wind farms. Suggestions included putting infrastructure development out to tender to attract investment and encourage innovation.
• Grid Constraints: With £2.5 billion spent last year turning off wind farms due to limited grid capacity, attendees called for accelerated reform and AI-driven management solutions.
• Skills Pipeline: Participants identified the need to work more closely with further education colleges and universities to upskill a new generation of workers across offshore wind, battery technology, AI and engineering.
• Local Content and Procurement: Calls were made for robust local content frameworks and grassroots community engagement to help drive consent and maximise economic impact.
• Innovation and Investment: Delegates explored the growing role of AI, quantum computing, and sustainable finance models in delivering scalable energy infrastructure.

The round table also highlighted the wider political and regulatory headwinds facing the sector, including the need for greater devolution of energy decisions, streamlined planning processes, and a joined-up industrial strategy linking England and Wales.

Sean Chapman-James, Senior Associate at Acuity Law and co-founder of Acuity Law with Purpose, said: “This was a powerful and productive conversation, not just about ambition, but about action. The South West and South Wales have the natural assets, industrial heritage, and emerging innovation to lead the UK’s clean energy future. But that will only happen if we match technical potential with investment in people, places and partnerships.”

The event forms part of an ongoing series from Acuity Law with Purpose exploring how business, law, and policy can align to unlock sustainable growth.