Meet the Experts Shaping ICEM2025: Driving the Net Zero Transition

The 8th International Conference Energy & Meteorology (ICEM2025) is centred on a bold and urgent theme: Contributing to the Net Zero Emission Target.” 

Our confirmed plenary speakers reflect the cross-disciplinary expertise and global collaboration required to meet this challenge—from advancing climate services to strengthening energy systems and fostering innovation in high-impact industries. 

Here’s a closer look at some of the experts who will guide us through this transformative journey. 

Climate Services — Empowering Climate-Informed Decisions 

Chris Hewitt
Director, Climate Services Branch, World Meteorological Organization (WMO) 

A long-time leader in climate science, Chris Hewitt is a driving force behind global efforts to make climate services more actionable and inclusive. At WMO, he oversees international strategies that ensure scientific developments respond to real societal needs. His previous roles—Head of International Climate Services at the UK Met Office and Professor at the University of Southern Queensland—have equipped him with unique insights into bridging data and decision-making. 

At ICEM2025, Chris will share how climate services are evolving to meet the demands of Net Zero planning and implementation—ensuring that science translates into on-the-ground resilience and long-term emissions reduction. If you missed it, watch his testimonial from a past ICEM2023 edition to see why we’re excited to welcome him back!

Energy Systems & Power Infrastructure — Building Resilience & Integration 

Debra Lew
Executive Director, Energy Systems Integration Group (ESIG) 

As the energy landscape shifts, Debra Lew is at the forefront of understanding the critical intersections of climate change, electrification, and grid reliability. Her background in system operations and planning gives her a deep appreciation for the challenges posed by variable renewable energy (VRE) and the impacts of extreme weather. 

In her ICEM2025 plenary, Debra will explore how correlated risks in a weather-dependent energy system demand new collaborations between meteorologists and energy professionals. Her talk will offer examples from recent resilience events and propose strategies to build flexible, reliable grids that can withstand future climate shocks.

Transmission & Transition — The Grid Behind Net Zero

Bruno Meyer
Secretary General, GO15 (Association of the World’s Largest Power Grid Operators) 

The transition to renewable energy often focuses on generation—but without strong transmission networks, it’s a non-starter. As Secretary General of GO15, Bruno Meyer advocates for the unsung hero of the energy transition: the grid. His global perspective connects policy, engineering, and investment to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with rising clean energy ambitions.  Bruno will explain why transmission is just as vital as renewables for achieving Net Zero. He’ll highlight ongoing innovations and the risks of “gridlock,” where slow infrastructure development could jeopardize climate goals. His insights are especially timely as utilities and governments face mounting pressure to deliver reliable, decarbonised electricity systems. 

Industry & Climate Innovation — Operationalising Climate Intelligence 

Dong Zhao
General Manager, Beijing Globe MetRoute Technology 

Dong Zhao brings hands-on experience delivering tailored weather and climate services to high-risk sectors such as aviation, maritime, and energy. With a PhD in Climate System and Global Change, he merges scientific rigour with operational relevance—empowering industries to plan, adapt, and reduce emissions. 

At ICEM conference, Dong will speak to the practical side of Net Zero. His talk will focus on the role of early warning systems and impact-based forecasting in helping industries navigate a warming world. By translating climate data into actionable insights, he’s enabling real-time decision-making that supports both adaptation and sustainability. 

Transmission & Transition — The Grid Behind Net Zero 

Laurent Dubus
Senior Scientist, Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE) 

As energy systems face rising climate demands, Laurent Dubus is working to keep the grid strong, smart, and resilient.
With expertise in both climate science and power system operations, he leads efforts at RTE—France’s transmission system operator—to apply weather and climate insights across all timescales.

In his ICEM2025 keynote, Laurent will showcase co-designed tools, Copernicus data, and collaborative planning that help manage risks and guide investments.
He’ll also highlight why deeper partnerships between energy and climate communities are key to building a grid that can power a net-zero future.

Bridging Meteorology and Wind Energy Innovation 

Marcus Letzel 
Wobben Research & Development GmbH (ENERCON) 

Marcus Letzel is a meteorologist with a background in micrometeorology and computational fluid dynamics. He leads the Site Analytics & Meteorology department at ENERCON, where he develops forecasting tools and CFD models. His career spans academia, consultancy, and industry. Marcus collaborates widely across Europe on wind energy research and innovation. 

At ICEM 2025, Marcus will explore the rising relevance of meteorology in wind energy operations. He’ll share lessons from a decade at ENERCON, covering forecasting, wake modelling, and weather-event analysis. His talk will highlight how applied meteorology improves turbine performance and grid resilience. 

Join us on the Path to Net Zero

These speakers are just a glimpse of the thought leadership shaping ICEM2025. Through powerful sessions, interactive workshops, and global dialogue, the conference will provide a space for advancing climate and energy solutions that are ambitious, grounded, and collaborative. 

Learn more and register today.

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