Smart technologies are rapidly reshaping the way that we power our homes & travel. With so much buzz around what is being offered, how do we separate genuine impact from marketing hype?
Held at the historic The Cambridge Union Debating Chamber, the evening offered an accessible guide to the technologies at the heart of UK’s energy transition
From how heat pumps really work to what you can expect from home solar, batteries and smart tariffs, this session will cut through confusion and explore the practicalities, costs and benefits of low-carbon living. Whether you’re curious about switching to an electric car, upgrading your heating system or simply understanding the future of UK energy, this event will help you to make informed choices. Ideal for adults and anyone interested in the realities of a cleaner, smarter energy future.
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Our panel speakers:
Sandra Bucci, Operations Manager for Energy, Cambridgeshire County Council
Professor Xavier Moya, Department of Material Science and Metallurgy University of Cambridge & CEO of Barcoal
Andrew Rankin, CEO of Midsummer Energy
Chair - Raheela Rehman, Energy IRC, University of Cambridge
BIOGRAPHIES
Professor Xavier Moya is leading change within the energy sector, in sustainable solid-state cooling and heating, at the University of Cambridge. Professor Moya work bridges fundamental materials physics with real-world climate technology innovation, translating to his spin-out company Barocal Ltd.
Sandra Bucci is an Operations Manager in the energy sector at the Cambridgeshire County Council, specialising in commercial energy contracts and the practical realities of the UK’s transition to low-carbon technologies. With hands-on experience across electric vehicle charging, renewable supply, and smart-tariff integration, she focuses on helping organisations navigate energy choices that are both environmentally and financially sound. Sandra brings a practical, real-world perspective on what smart energy technologies can and can’t deliver today.
Andrew Rankin started Midsummer Energy from the front room of his narrowboat, selling small off-grid power systems to fellow boaties. After nearly 20 years of riding the solarcoaster, they are now one of the leading wholesalers of renewable energy equipment in the UK.
Along the way, he helped build Easy PV and Heatpunk - popular platforms for designing solar and heat pump systems. These days he has a great team that he can leave most of the day to day commercial running of Midsummer to, allowing him to focus on growing our software platforms.
The session was chaired by Raheela Rehman, Energy Interdisciplinary Research Centre, University of Cambridge. With a background in physics and energy research, she facilitates interdisciplinary collaborations addressing climate and energy challenges.
Co-organised by Cambridge Zero and the Energy IRC.
Audience - Cambridge Festival: Making energy choices, Cambridge Union Debating Chamber