On 18th Feb 2025, from 10.00 am to 11.00 am, we had the privilege of hosting distinguished lecture on energy transition 2.0 at the School of Engineering (Y8), University of Birmingham. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Adam Middleton, Vice President at Siemens Energy and Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham, and Sabrina Mercer, Head of Strategy at Siemens Energy UK. The distinguished lecture on Energy Transition 2.0: When conservatism, complexity and AI collide attracted over thirty students and staff of the university with diverse academic backgrounds.

At the beginning of the lecture, Ms Wenyan Qian, Secretary of the University of Birmingham IEEE Student Branch, briefly introduced the IEEE UoB Student Branch oragnization and committee member, as well as the wide range of events and activities that had been hold previously.

Then, the host, Prof. Xiao-Ping Zhang kicked off this event, welcomed everyone and introduced the speaker, Prof. Adam Middleton and Sabrina Mercer to the audience.

During the presentation, Prof. Adam Middleton and Sabrina Mercer shared invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of the Energy Transition 2.0. They explored the impact of global business environment, and the critical role of innovation, resilience,

and strategic collaboration in driving a sustainable energy future. The lecture highlighted several key points:

1. Energy Transition needs radical change. Technology alone won’t be enough.

2. We live in times of change. Hone your awareness of what is happening in the wider World.

3. Demand is unprecedented and increasing. Work with what we have, then move to the new.

4. How we deal with extreme volatility and constant change will be critical.

5. The only way to go forward is to collaborate, and to collaborate like never before.