Reinvention, Reflection, 2026 As A Reset Year: The Rt Hon Greg Hands

In this episode. One year on from his first appearance, Greg Hands returns to EIC Clearly to unpack what has changed—and what hasn’t—across energy, politics, and global markets.Now working across Europe in the private sector after decades in government, most notably now as Strategic Adviser to Daniel Křetínský & the Energetický a průmyslový (EP) Group, Greg reflects on personal reinvention, the realities of investment decision-making, and how geopolitical awareness shapes energy strategy today.From the slowing pace of the energy transition to rising electricity costs and grid constraints, the episode examines the growing tension between ambition and affordability. The conversation also tackles the UK’s position in a competitive global landscape, investor sentiment, and why confidence in Britain may be stronger abroad than at home.Looking outward, Greg shares his perspective on the shifting global order—from US trade policy to China’s industrial scale—and what it all means for energy companies planning their next move.Greg Hands Biography from gov.ukThe Rt Hon Greg Hands was Minister of State for Trade Policy in the Department for Business and Trade, and Minister for London, between 13 November 2023 and 5 July 2024.He was previously Minister without Portfolio at the Cabinet Office between 7 February 2023 and 13 November 2023.He was also Minister of State at the Department for International Trade between 9 October 2022 and 7 February 2023, and a Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy between 16 September 2021 and 7 September 2022.He was also Minister of State for Trade Policy in the Department for International Trade (DIT) from 13 February 2020 to 15 September 2021 and Minister of State in the Department for International Trade from 2016 to 2018. He was elected the Conservative MP for Hammersmith and Fulham in 2005, and for Chelsea and Fulham in 2010.What Is the EIC? The Energy Industries Council (EIC) is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations. As a not-for-profit organisation, it supports more than 950 member companies involved in the global energy value chain. EIC operates internationally, with offices in London, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dubai, and soon, Berlin.It is energy agnostic, supporting all parts of the energy sector. From mature renewable onshore and offshore sectors like wind, solar and hydropower; to grid infrastructure and large nuclear; to hydrocarbon sectors like oil & gas, LNG, FPSO, decommissioning, upstream, midstream and downstream; to emerging low-carbon sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture, CCUS, energy storage, BESS, biofuels, SAF (sustainable aviation fuels), and geothermal.EIC provides a wide range of services, including access to global market intelligence, CAPEX and OPEX project data, consulting support, events, business development opportunities, and advocacy. It also facilitates connections with key decision-makers and policymakers in the energy sector worldwide.Stay Connected with EIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the EIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore EIC membership ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Five Golden Rules for a Healthy Energy Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn about EIC Consult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Stuart Broadley about doing your own C-level EIC podcast at [email protected]