Abstract: Fusion energy is increasingly seen as a transformative solution for clean power, yet the quest to reach ignition remains marked by profound scientific, financial, and geopolitical complexities. With major economies and industry leaders channeling vast resources into competing reactor designs, real-world progress hinges on navigating overlapping challenges, ranging from technological breakthroughs to leadership dilemmas in balancing collaboration and competition. This session will examine how distinct national strategies, international partnerships, and leadership pressures converge (and collide) in shaping fusion’s trajectory. Using real-world examples and case studies, it will explore the interplay between collective advancement, strategic rivalry, and the broader security implications of controlling this potentially game-changing technology. The discussion will highlight how fusion’s success may hinge on balancing cross-border cooperation and competitive drive, offering insight into the evolving power dynamics of tomorrow’s energy landscape.
Speaker Bio, Ryan Ramsey: A seasoned leader in the business world and military, Ryan translates leadership experience and knowledge from corporate sectors such as energy, electricity transmission, renewables and nuclear translating strategy into tactical employment. Among a variety of leadership roles, he has led as Head of Electricity Construction (VP) for National Grid, leading a team of 250 National Grid employees and 4000 contractors delivering 148 major infrastructure projects around the UK.
He also led as an Offshore Installation Manager on Shell’s flagship oil and gas ‘rig’ in the North Sea – Shearwater, achieving cultural change and leading profitably during the slump in oil prices. His bedrock has been a career in the Royal Navy Submarine Service. His leadership and teamwork have been tested during an operationally focused career operating as far afield as under the Arctic Ice Cap to the Indian Ocean. He has also worked for the Royal Netherlands Navy, US Navy and Counter Terrorism forces. His notable military assignments were Captain of the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Turbulent and Commander of the world-renowned Submarine Command Course ‘Perisher’. He was responsible for teaching submarine captains to deal with the challenges of leadership, risk-taking and decision-making in the 21st Century. He has two Masters degrees and is part of the Windsor Leadership Programme Alumni. He is a published author.
Speaker Bio, Ryan Ramsey: A seasoned leader in the business world and military, Ryan translates leadership experience and knowledge from corporate sectors such as energy, electricity transmission, renewables and nuclear translating strategy into tactical employment. Among a variety of leadership roles, he has led as Head of Electricity Construction (VP) for National Grid, leading a team of 250 National Grid employees and 4000 contractors delivering 148 major infrastructure projects around the UK.
He also led as an Offshore Installation Manager on Shell’s flagship oil and gas ‘rig’ in the North Sea – Shearwater, achieving cultural change and leading profitably during the slump in oil prices. His bedrock has been a career in the Royal Navy Submarine Service. His leadership and teamwork have been tested during an operationally focused career operating as far afield as under the Arctic Ice Cap to the Indian Ocean. He has also worked for the Royal Netherlands Navy, US Navy and Counter Terrorism forces. His notable military assignments were Captain of the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Turbulent and Commander of the world-renowned Submarine Command Course ‘Perisher’. He was responsible for teaching submarine captains to deal with the challenges of leadership, risk-taking and decision-making in the 21st Century. He has two Masters degrees and is part of the Windsor Leadership Programme Alumni. He is a published author.