Registration and refreshments
08:45 to
09:30
Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
09:30 to
09:40
Speaker:
Jessica Hooper.
Director – Cymru.
RenewableUK.
Scaling up infrastructure delivery – the latest update on the Infrastructure Wales Act and key priorities for supporting planning
09:40 to
10:05
- Timelines and next steps for the implementation of the Infrastructure Act
- Streamlining the consenting process to unlock the deployment of large-scale projects
- Meeting future challenges by ensuring flexibility for new technologies and schemes
Speaker:
Owen Struthers.
Head of National Consenting.
Welsh Government.
Selecting the optimal planning route amid policy changes – what project promoters must do now to secure consent
10:05 to
10:30
- What are the planning routes available now and how are these evolving?
- Plans for transitional provisions – what will developers need to do to move to the new consenting regime?
- What are the new requirements under the Significant Infrastructure Projects system?
Speaker:
Cathryn Tracey.
Partner.
Burges Salmon.
Creating a regional energy strategic plan for Wales – securing faster grid connections in the right locations
10:30 to
10:55
- Outlining the methodology for developing the plan – adopting a whole system approach
- How will the plan inform developers and future areas of investment?
- Enhancing grid efficiency by identifying key areas for new network assets and upgrades
Speaker:
Aled Rowlands.
Head of Engagement for Strategic Projects and Wales.
NESO.
Morning networking and refreshments
10:55 to
11:25
Panel discussion: Enabling faster planning decisions to meet 2035 clean electricity targets and grow Wales’s economy – is the new process fit for purpose?
11:25 to
12:10
- How will SIP accelerate the delivery of renewable energy and grid infrastructure?
- Reducing delays for major projects through PEDW’s new decision-making responsibilities
- Reforming the planning system to attract private investment and strengthen confidence in future schemes
- Ensuring greater coordination between marine and terrestrial planning
Speakers:
Victoria Robinson.
Chief Planning Inspector.
Planning and Environment Decisions Wales.
Mark Roberts.
Project Manager.
Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru.
Ben Lewis-Hayes.
Strategic Planning & Consents Director.
Bute Energy.
Delivering the electricity infrastructure required to enable the rollout of new energy schemes across Wales
12:10 to
12:35
- The progress with building a widespread distribution system – exploring the pipeline of projects
- Biggest challenges when developing transmission infrastructure between north and south Wales
- Engaging local communities on the importance and urgency of delivering new pylons and substations
Speaker:
Andrew Hardcastle.
Project Director.
Green Gen Cymru.
Networking Lunch
12:35 to
13:35
Reducing environmental impacts – selecting and implementing the most effective mitigation measures
13:35 to
14:00
- Assessing the possible effects on ecosystems within and beyond project site
- Building environmental benefits into the design of new schemes
- Minimising impacts from construction through operation
Speaker:
Liz Evans.
Planning and Development Manager.
Welsh Power.
Panel discussion: Removing barriers for new types of infrastructure being proposed in Wales – identifying and maximising growth opportunities
14:00 to
14:45
- Main challenges faced by future developments and key solutions to overcome these
- What are new areas of investment? – considering data centres and AI Growth Strategy
- Leveraging the economic benefits of innovative technologies and infrastructure
- Developing supply chain capabilities required to ensure successful projects delivery
Speakers:
Robert Sedgman.
UK Director, Development.
Last Energy.
Richard Little.
Director, Pembroke Net Zero Centre.
RWE.
Jasmine Sharp.
Sustainable Places Land and Sea Manager.
Natural Resources Wales.
Driving local involvement in project development - best approaches to engaging and empowering communities
14:45 to
15:10
- Overcoming misunderstandings around infrastructure schemes - demonstrating their value to communities
- Tailoring community benefits to meet local needs and priorities
- Ensuring ongoing engagement and consistent communication throughout planning and delivery
Speaker:
Charlotte Swanston.
Senior Development Manager UK & ROI.
Lightsource bp.
Afternoon networking and refreshments
15:10 to
15:40
Panel discussion: Realising the full potential of the Celtic Sea – next steps for unlocking the floating offshore wind market in the UK
15:40 to
16:25
- What land infrastructure is required for facilitating development in Celtic sea?
- How to accelerate infrastructure delivery but also make it more affordable?
- Successfully going through leasing rounds – lessons learnt from Round 5 projects
- Ensuring greater collaboration with asset owners to bring forward development
Speakers:
Helen O’Keeffe.
Development Director - Gwynt Glas.
ESB.
Darren Thomas.
Head of Engineering.
Port of Milford Haven.
Rebecca Williams.
Director of Devolved Nations.
The Crown Estate.
Welsh ports as strategic hubs – supporting wider development and driving the clean energy transition
16:25 to
16:50
- Transforming ports in logistics interchanges for offshore wind and tidal projects
- How do ports infrastructure need to be adapted to support new hydrogen and carbon capture schemes?
- The progress with establishing freeports in Wales – timelines and investment opportunities
Speaker:
Cathy Hall.
Masterplanner.
Associated British Ports.
Chair’s closing remarks
16:50 to
17:00
Close of conference and networking drinks
17:00 to
18:00