Speakers

Robert Sansom
Director Strategy and Sustainable Development
EDF Energy

After graduating in electrical engineering Robert joined the state owned Central Electricity Generating Board which was responsible for all generation and high voltage transmission in England and Wales. He then spent several years in consultancy specialising in technical and economic analysis of power systems before rejoining the CEGB in the Technical Planning and Research Division. Following completion of his MSc in Power Systems, Robert joined the CEGB's Strategic Studies Department and worked on long term generation and transmission planning.

As the UK's electricity industry prepared for privatisation towards the end of the 1980s Robert joined the South Eastern Electricity Board
(SEEBOARD) where he was responsible for establishing the energy procurement activity and also developing independent power projects.
During this period he completed his MBA at Warwick University. He spent several years in a number of strategic roles and was then appointed Head of Energy Trading. At this time the UK's competitive market was being expanded to include all residential and small business gas and electricity customers.

Following the integration of SEEBOARD with LE Group by EDF Energy in 2002, Robert was appointed to the Energy Branch as MD – Energy Portfolio Risk Management. His responsibilities included risk control, strategy, regulation and environment. He implemented major improvements to EDF Energy's risk control and risk management procedures including preparations for the implementation of carbon emissions trading in 2005 and the development of EDF Energy's upstream gas and electricity portfolio. Robert also represented the Energy Branch on EDF Energy's Corporate Responsibility and Environment Panel.

In June 2008 Robert joined EDF Energy's Sustainable Future team as Director of Strategy and Sustainable Development.