A next generation engineer is to quiz a panel of geothermal experts on a mission to deliver large-scale commercial projects across the world as the missing piece of the renewables energy jigsaw in a live debate.

Sixth former and Arkwright Scholar Beth Suckling (pictured above) will chair and moderate a four-strong team with more than a century’s engineering experience in the first webinar by geothermal development company CeraPhi Energy in front of a global virtual audience.

Sixth former Beth, 17, will set tough questions to the team driving a commercial geothermal revolution in the UK and overseas, chosen because reversing climate change is “in her name.”

More than 100 people from around the world have already signed up for the event on Thursday (April 29), Drawing on Earth’s Giant Battery to Complete the Energy Transition.

Beth, in her first year of studying A levels in maths, further maths, engineering and physics at the University Technical College Norfolk, with ambitions of a career in renewable energy via a degree level apprenticeship, will take the helm of the Question Time-style debate on Zoom.

Karl Farrow, CeraPhi CEO, said: “We are doing what we are doing to address climate change for future generations and create a cleaner world and new careers for people just like Beth.

“We like to do things differently at CeraPhi and could have easily gone down the usual webinar format, but what better than having an aspiring engineer at the start of her journey, with a passion for renewables, and part of the generation that we are fighting to change the world for, to ask the real questions about the potential and details of geothermal energy?”

Thursday’s panel will be Chris Sladen CBE, chair of the Geothermal Energy Advancement Association;  Martin Hindicky,  CeraPhi Energy chief business officer; Per Gwalter, CeraPhi’s chief project officer, with more than 30 years’ energy industry experience and involvement in delivery and engineering of more than 10 high profile European and global geothermal developments at government and private sector level, and Farrow,  who has led global operations for major project developers and managed multi-billion project portfolios.

“This is all about the future. Beth represents the future. It is imperative that we involve people in what we are doing, give them a chance to explore all they can to shape their future,” said Farrow, a founder of CeraPhi Energy, which has offices in Great Yarmouth, London and Houston.

Beth has been researching geothermal and discussing questions with her peers.

“I want a career where I can make a difference and changes. I am looking forward to finding out about how geothermal can make a change to the energy system.”

Beth is no stranger to a challenge; she won through the highly-competitive Arkwright Scholarship process in her GCSE year to be awarded the much sought-after title, which partners her with employer sponsors support them through sixth form and secure bright futures.

She rides the 30-mile hour-long trip to school and back every day on her 125 motorcycle, after stripping back and rebuilding an old 50CC bike, and manages to fit in eventing her horse, Belle, that she saved up to buy with her sister by a cleaning job and working at a horse yard aged 15.

Sophie Skipp, of the UTCN, said: “Beth is an incredibly motivated and capable young woman.”

“At UTCN we strive to find opportunities and challenges for our students to explore as much about careers and different sectors. CeraPhi have offered a fantastic opportunity students to learn more about what links their lessons to real work in their future.”

The CeraPhi Energy event is being held in conjunction with the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR).

To join the webinar, register at: https://www.eeegr.com/events/transition-to-net-zero-heat-beneath-our-feet/

KeyFacts Energy: Geothermal news