Registration and refreshments
08:45 to
09:30
Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
09:30 to
09:40
Speaker:
Dan Clarke.
Head of Innovation.
Energy Networks Association.
Part 1: Reaching future connection targets – building a future policy framework that meets net zero
09:30 to
11:45
Delivering the grid to deliver a reformed energy system – future strategy and policy insights
09:40 to
10:00
- A strategic framework for transformation of the transmission and distribution networks
- Accelerating grid connections to accommodate new generation and demand.
- Building a smart, flexible electricity network.
Speaker:
Paul van Heyningen.
Deputy Director, Net Zero Electricity Networks.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Panel Discussion: Challenges facing the policy and regulatory framework – envisioning a reformed approach for transmission and distribution networks
10:00 to
10:50
- Visions of the electricity network of the future – anticipating future demand and generation
- Reaching net zero targets by 2030 – how the grid can accommodate the growth of the renewable energy sector
- Creating certainty about cost and timings for new projects
- Managing a need for expertise - what skills are needed? How do we meet these needs?
- Planning for diverse energy generation and demand projects
Speakers:
John Twomey.
Head of Customer Management.
National Grid.
Joe Slater.
Head of ED2 Net Zero and Strategic Investment.
Ofgem.
Thomas McCormack.
Transmission System Planning and Investment Manager.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Transmission.
Morning refreshments
10:50 to
11:20
The future of the network – delivering an energy system that gets more projects connected to the grid
11:20 to
11:45
- Updates on what the TEC amnesty and queue management mean for connection customers
- Advancing projects that are ready to connect
- The Holistic Network Design – Updates on the pathway to 2030
- Getting more energy projects on the grid and feeding demand
Speaker:
James Norman.
Networks Policy Senior Manager.
National Grid ESO.
Part 2: Plans to upgrade and modernise the transmission and distribution network to facilitate greater network capacity
11:45 to
13:00
Regional improvements: Upgrading the distribution network – Updates on plans for network improvements and facilitating positive customer experiences
11:45 to
12:30
- Enabling low carbon electricity uptake – facilitating an improved connection process
- Updates on the latest projects aimed at improving the distribution network and connections
- Upgrading outdated network infrastructure – associated cost and timelines
- Innovation's that are upgrading the distribution network
Speakers:
Maurice Lynch.
Head of System Flexibility.
Northern Powergrid.
Charles Deacon.
Head of Grid Connections.
Eclipse Power Networks.
Creating digital networks for a flexible and resilient energy system
12:30 to
12:55
• Digital innovations that are improving network processes
• Results of flexibility projects – successes and challenges
• Modernising ageing grid infrastructure
• Updating heat maps in real time to reflect opportunities for connections
Speaker:
Rachel Stanley.
Flexibility Markets Developer.
UK Power Networks.
Networking lunch
12:55 to
13:55
Part 3: How can new energy projects work within the current network capacity limits?
13:55 to
15:15
The challenges and opportunities associated with co-located projects
13:55 to
14:20
- The benefits of co-located projects – reduced cost, quicker grid connection time and maximised land use
- Managing offtake agreements – ensuring both parties reach a consensus.
- Anticipating planning challenges associated with co-location.
Speaker:
Liz Wells.
Assistant Director FA - Real Assets Advisory.
Deloitte.
Innovations that are reducing a projects constraint on the grid and costs to developers
14:20 to
14:45
- How current solutions can reduce constraints on the grid, create sustainable assets and avoid added developer costs
- Low carbon bespoke solutions that work within the current confines of grid capacity
Speaker:
Loic Hares.
Energy Lead.
Digital Catapult.
Part 4: Practical lessons for energy development projects – ensuring infrastructure is planned effectively
14:45 to
16:35
Consenting network infrastructure – seizing current opportunities, overcoming planning challenges and anticipating new requirements
14:45 to
15:15
- Opportunities within the existing regime
- Challenges associated with consenting network improvements
- Reforms to the NSIP regime – looking ahead to the action plan
Speakers:
Alex Minhinick.
Partner.
Burges Salmon.
Alec Whiter.
Partner.
Burges Salmon.
Afternoon refreshments
15:15 to
15:45
Panel discussion: Planning and consenting infrastructure – effectively engaging with stakeholders and overcoming obstacles
15:45 to
16:30
- Challenges when aiming to gain consent new infrastructure
- Engaging local populations and managing "not in my backyard" attitudes
- Working with local authorities
- Aligning planning with developers and grid connection agreements
Speakers:
George Wilyman.
Head of Planning - UK.
Aura Power.
Alex Minhinick.
Partner.
Burges Salmon.
Richard Thwaites.
CEO.
Penso Power.
Chair’s closing remarks
16:30 to
16:40
Close of conference and networking drinks
16:30 to
17:30