OREANDA-NEWS. On 11 April 2008 was announced, that by invitation of Accenture Company, General Director of IDGC of Centre Evgeny Makarov took part in the 18th Annual Conference “International Utilities and Energy Conference 2008” dedicated to the most relevant issues in the field of the power industry.

The participant discussed issues, alternatives, difficulties in the field of the power utilities that are today faced by many European countries:

• Meeting increasingly demanding and sophisticated consumers’ needs and expectations;
• Deciding which fuel to use for new generating capacity (nuclear, coal, gas, renewables);
• Funding sources for the new infrastructure required to meet growing demand;
• Developing plans for attracting and retaining critical skills in a period of large demographic changes within the workforce;
• Competing for fuel supplies and materials in a time of world-wide high demand;
• Making environmental choices around compliance, consumer concerns about climate
change and the drive to reduce emissions.

The Conference 2008 became a unique forum for the power sector leaders – it helped to concentrate on business, political issues. New ideas and advanced technologies (“intelligent” grid” of the utilities of the future.

This year’s featured speakers include leaders who are recognized around the world for achievements and mastery in their fields of expertise. Tony Blair, Ex-Prime Minister (1997-2007), Great Britain and Northern Ireland, took part in the forum.

Work continued in sessions: Intelligent Networks: Balancing Assets and Environmental Leadership, Utilities Supply Chain and Logistics in a Multi-Polar World, Creating the Intelligent Utility by Outsourcing, Utility of the Future and How to Get There.