Business leaders from the energy sector will descend on Norfolk next month for the latest East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) conference.

The event comes amid the pending development of some of the world's biggest wind farms off the region's coast and the renewed 'dash for gas' in the Southern North Sea, which will feature strongly in the all-energy programme.

And delegates will have the chance to hear from three competing international offshore wind companies in a one-off panel discussion session in the afternoon.

Areva's Andrew Fox, Andrew Crompton from Alstom Wind, and Ranjit Mene, of RE Power, will be on stage to present and debate some of the strategy, cost and delivery issues facing the industry – and the role the East of England can play.

About 300 delegates are expected for the conference and exhibition, which will be held on September 18 at Holiday Inn, Norwich Airport.

Simon Gray, chief executive of EEEGR, said: 'We're fortunate to have a high profile line-up of speakers from such major companies who can assess the implications and opportunities for our energy supply chain companies.

'It is an invaluable chance for regional businesses to be updated on the national and local scene at a time when government has a major involvement and we must decide how best to bridge the gap between limited existing resources and the promised future bonanza.

'Everyone needs to be focused on keeping the lights on tomorrow and for future generations.'

He added: 'Actions may speak louder than words but much can be learned from listening to the experts at the top of the industry.'

Mark Hughes, RWE head of development, will look closely at new opportunities opening up for the region from the offshore gas industry, while Halfdan Brustad, chairman of Dudgeon Offshore Wind Limited, will explore the planned wind farm off the North Norfolk coast.