Chair’s opening remarks
09:30 to
09:40
Speaker:
Randolph Brazier.
Director of Innovation & Electricity Systems.
Energy Networks Association.
Part 1: Impact of new policies and future of the network
09:40 to
11:00
Latest energy policy, regulation and impact on the grid – how does the network need to respond to changing policy and what updates are needed?
09:40 to
09:55
- Plans for the transmission and distribution network
- How does new energy policy impact the grid and how does the network need to be updated to support new projects?
- Reviews underway and planned policy
- What capacity is needed?
Speaker:
Alec Whiter.
Director – Energy and Net-Zero Projects Team.
Burges Salmon.
Panel discussion: The future of the grid – how do networks need to adapt to support connections for new energy projects?
09:55 to
10:50
- How do the transmission and distribution networks need to adapt to support the projects in the Energy Security Strategy – preparing for an increase of nuclear, solar and offshore wind projects
- Meeting energy needs and delivering new infrastructure to support connections
- What capacity is needed?
- What does the creation of Future System Operator mean for the sector?
- Supporting quicker connect times for generators
Speakers:
Beth Warnock.
Practice Manager: Power Systems.
Energy Systems Catapult.
Jon Ferris.
Head of Flexibility and Storage.
Delta-EE.
Joe Slater.
Head of ED2 Net Zero: Strategic Investment.
Ofgem.
John Twomey.
Head of Customer Management.
National Grid.
Reducing bottlenecks whilst supporting new connections, technology and an increase in renewable projects
11:20 to
11:45
- Increasing capacity and future plans for network development
- Supporting improved sustainability
- Connecting renewables to the network
- Accessing faster and more accurate data
- The creation of Future System Operator and what this means for future projects
Speaker:
Julian Leslie.
Head of Networks and Chief Engineer.
National Grid ESO.
Transitioning to a smarter, more flexible and decarbonised energy system – innovations and overcoming the barriers to securing connections
11:45 to
12:10
- Adapting the network to meet new infrastructure requirements
- Accommodating capacity issues and handling constraint
- Delivering smart energy networks
- Innovations
- Timescales for connections
Speaker:
Steve Halsey.
DER Development Manager.
UK Power Networks.
Part 2: Securing connections for your project – engaging with key stakeholders
12:10 to
13:45
Local authorities role in supporting new energy projects and networks
12:10 to
12:35
- Local authority role in supporting whole area view and local strategy
- Delivering a joined up energy strategy
- Role in planning and consent process and engaging with local communities
Speaker:
Michael Moll.
Programme Director Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Suffolk County Council.
Part 3: Planning for improved connectivity and capacity - securing a timely and cost effective connection
13:35 to
16:45
Regional future energy scenarios – What might our distribution networks look like, delivering on the future of energy across the UK
13:35 to
14:00
- Working with UK DNOs on the future of the grid
- How regional variation affects project development
- What regional networks may look like across the UK out to 2050
- Transitioning the network towards net zero
Speaker:
Ray Arrell.
Head of Technical Development.
Regen.
Navigating the planning processes for new projects and electricity infrastructure
14:00 to
14:25
- Aligning the planning and gird connection planning processes
- Planning and consenting challenges
- Environment considerations
- Engagement with local communities
- Practical planning issues for the connection of energy projects
Speaker:
Liz Dunn.
Partner.
Burges Salmon.
Ensuing connectivity for offshore projects – supporting an increase in offshore wind projects
14:25 to
14:50
- Offshore transmission network review – what does this mean for projects and connectivity in the short, medium and long term
- The Holistic Network Design
Speaker:
Ewa Wolkowicz.
Offshore Transmission Network Review.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Case study: Developing energy storage projects
15:20 to
15:45
- The challenges of constructing a multi technical project
- Capacity constraints
- Costs and timing
Speaker:
Robert Miles.
Chief Executive Officer.
Immersa.
Panel discussion: Integrating new technologies and innovations into the grid – how is technology evolving to meet challenges and ensure faster connections?
15:45 to
16:35
- Incorporating long term energy storage
- The use of Active Network Management
- Synchronous Capacitors
- The digitalisation of the energy network, incorporating current and accurate data
- How is technology allowing faster and cheaper connections?
Speakers:
Philip Steele.
Future Technologies Expert.
Octopus Energy.
Jim Allen.
Future Energy Systems Strategy Manager.
Capula.
Ian Cooper.
Head of Innovation Delivery.
EA Technology.