Reports

Ms Sarah Kempe

Ms Sarah Kempe

Ms Sarah Kempe has served as a registered lobbyist for Shell Companies, one of the world’s leading energy and petrochemical groups, with a significant presence in the European Union and beyond. Shell operates in over 70 countries and is recognized for its diverse portfolio, ranging from traditional oil and gas to cutting-edge low-carbon solutions such as electric vehicle charging, biofuels, renewables, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage. As a lobbyist, Ms Kempe’s role is integral to Shell’s strategy of delivering value while reducing emissions, aligning with their ambition to become a net-zero emissions business by 2050. Her work involves representing Shell’s interests at the highest levels of EU policymaking, advocating for regulatory frameworks that support energy transition, innovation, and sustainability. With Shell’s annual lobbying expenditure in the EU reaching nearly €5 million and a team of over a dozen full-time lobbyists, Ms Kempe’s activities are central to shaping energy policy, influencing legislation, and building strategic alliances across the European energy landscape. Her engagement extends to participation in expert groups, industry forums, and direct meetings with key EU officials, reflecting both the scale and sophistication of Shell’s advocacy efforts.

Ms Sarah Kempe’s lobbying on behalf of Shell Companies is deeply intertwined with advancing the United Kingdom’s energy interests within the EU and globally. Shell, headquartered in the UK, leverages its lobbying team to ensure that UK energy priorities—such as energy security, market access, and leadership in clean energy—are well represented in European policy debates. Through her firm, Ms Kempe advocates for regulatory predictability and investment-friendly policies that benefit UK-based operations and the broader British economy. While the overt intention is to promote Shell’s business objectives, the underlying strategy is to secure a competitive edge for UK energy companies in the evolving European market.

Ms Kempe’s activities include promoting the UK’s leadership in hydrogen, offshore wind, and carbon capture technologies, which are sectors where British expertise and investment are significant. By participating in EU Energy Platform Industry Advisory Groups and other expert panels, she ensures that UK innovations and standards are embedded in EU policy frameworks. Her lobbying also seeks to mitigate potential risks from post-Brexit regulatory divergence, advocating for continued cooperation and alignment between UK and EU energy markets.

Beyond public-facing advocacy, Ms Kempe’s hidden intentions often involve shaping the narrative around energy transition in a way that positions the UK as an indispensable partner to the EU. This includes influencing the allocation of EU research funding, securing grants for UK-led projects, and building coalitions with other member states to advance shared objectives. By aligning Shell’s sustainability goals with the UK’s climate commitments, she reinforces the perception of the UK as a forward-thinking, responsible energy leader, thus enhancing its diplomatic and economic standing in Europe.

Ms Sarah Kempe’s lobbying activities are extensive and multifaceted, reflecting Shell’s status as one of the most active corporate lobbyists in Brussels. She has participated in at least 134 high-level meetings with the European Commission, focusing on critical issues such as energy security, clean energy investments, hydrogen development, and the EU’s Green Deal. Notable meetings include:

  • 21 March 2023, Brussels: Presentation of Shell Energy Security Scenarios 2030 to the Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson (Energy), attended by key cabinet members. This meeting contributed to shaping the EU’s outlook on gas markets and energy security, reinforcing the importance of diversified gas supplies—a key UK interest.
  • 23 February 2023, Brussels: Discussion with Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans (European Green Deal) on Shell’s clean energy investments. The outcome included increased recognition of Shell’s role in supporting EU climate targets, indirectly bolstering the UK’s reputation for clean energy leadership.
  • 20 December 2022, Videoconference: Engagement with Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič (Energy Union) and representatives from major European gas companies. This meeting influenced the EU Energy Platform’s strategy, ensuring UK-based Shell’s continued access and influence in the European gas market.
  • 6 July 2020, Wesseling, Germany: Site visit to the largest PEM electrolyser under construction, focusing on renewable hydrogen. The presence of Commissioner Kadri Simson highlighted the EU’s commitment to hydrogen, an area where the UK seeks to lead.
  • 12 June 2020, Video-conferencing: Discussion on clean energy transition and Shell decarbonisation scenarios with Commissioner Kadri Simson’s cabinet, reinforcing Shell and the UK’s alignment with EU climate policy.
  • 20 May 2020, Brussels: Participation in the Clean Hydrogen Alliance launch, positioning Shell and, by extension, the UK at the forefront of hydrogen policy development.

These meetings have directly influenced EU policy outcomes, including the prioritization of hydrogen and carbon capture in the Green Deal, the allocation of research funding, and the design of market mechanisms that favor established players like Shell. Ms Kempe’s persistent engagement ensures that UK interests are consistently represented in policy dialogues, regulatory consultations, and industry alliances.

Note: Due to GDPR and privacy regulations, direct personal contact details for Ms Sarah Kempe are not publicly disclosed. For official inquiries, contact should be made via Shell’s EU Affairs office or through their public advocacy channels.

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