Some of the biggest names in energy have been lined up to predict the future of the industry in the Southern North Sea off Norfolk and Suffolk, with organisers promising an 'upbeat' tone to discussions.

They will share their visions for the region at SNS2017, the annual conference and exhibition organised by the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), which will be held on March 1 and 2.

The second day will be a supply chain event for ScottishPower Renewables' £2.5bn East Anglia One wind farm, including presentations from the company and the chance to secure business with its buyers.

It builds upon a similar event held last year attended by more than 500 people, and the 2017 event is expected to be as popular as companies line up to win contracts on the 102-turbine, 714-megawatt wind farm.

Simon Gray, EEEGR's chief executive, said both days of the event would help supply chain companies to understand important developments and grasp new opportunities available to them.

'There will be a very upbeat feel to this year's conference and exhibition as there are so many positive things happening, and about to happen, in the SNS,' said Mr Gray.

'These include the potential for new tight gas discoveries, innovative methods of exploiting small and marginal pools, the rejuvenation of existing gas fields through real innovation, and the multi-million pound budgets associated with decommissioning redundant platforms and wells.

'The region also has huge opportunities in both the nuclear and offshore wind sectors. All of these will be on the agenda for the conference and exhibition.'

Speakers on the first day include Oil & Gas UK chief executive Deirdre Michie, Ken Cronin, chief executive of the United Kingdom Onshore Operators Group, and Hugh McNeal, chief executive of RenewableUK.

There will be updates from EEEGR's Skills for Energy programme and presentations from EEEGR's special interest groups, including SNS Rejuvenation, Offshore Wind Supply Chain, Late Life and Decommissioning, and Marine.

The free SNS2017 exhibition hall will also feature more than 60 stands.