Registration and refreshments
08:45 to
09:30
Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
09:30 to
09:40
Speaker:
Matt Black.
Managing Director; Chair.
IG Renewables; Solar Energy UK.
Unlocking the solar revolution in the UK – policy support and the progress with meeting 2030 Clean Power targets
09:40 to
10:05
- Updates on the Solar Roadmap – where are we now and future direction
- How are changes to planning policies ensuring faster deployment of new solar schemes?
- Seizing new opportunities as the solar industry continues to grow – considering investment and job creation
Speaker:
Tim Warham.
Senior Policy Advisor.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Implementing connection reforms to deliver fair and faster outcomes – lessons learnt so far and next steps
10:05 to
10:30
- The role of TOs in delivering the new connection process - what does this mean for solar schemes?
- Issuing Gate 2 offers for solar projects - current progress and planning for future milestones
- Supporting customers through the entire connection journey - enhancing transparency and engagement
Speaker:
Alana Cairns.
Transmission Customer Liaison Manager.
SP Energy Networks.
Panel discussion: Establishing a joined-up framework to scale solar generation – aligning planning and grid policy changes while identifying what further support is needed
10:30 to
11:15
- How do recent policy reforms work together and how can these be better integrated?
- Understanding current limitations - what more support is needed to enable solar expansion?
- Creating a policy framework to overcome resources and capabilities constraints
- Navigating a complex political landscape – the potential impact with clashes of national and local policies on solar
Speakers:
Katy McGuinness.
Head of Environmental Planning, EMEA.
Lightsource bp.
Elena Sarieva.
Head of Planning.
Elements Green.
Laura Henry.
Head of Connections Policy.
National Grid.
Morning refreshments and networking
11:15 to
11:45
Securing consent for solar projects within an evolving planning regime – how do developers act now while preparing for further reforms?
11:45 to
12:10
- Understanding how planning routes are changing and how to best navigate them
- Increased NSIP thresholds to 100MW and potential to direct in/out of NSIP regime – what does this mean in practice?
- What to expect from the Planning and Infrastructure Act and related Regulations and guidance?
Speaker:
Richard Marsh.
Partner.
TLT.
Case study: takeaways and practical lessons on planning large-scale solar schemes
12:10 to
12:35
- Practical advice for avoiding delays and added costs
- What were the unexpected challenges that emerged during development?
- Strengthening engagement with key stakeholders – considering local authorities, DNOs and communities
Speaker:
Nick Andrews.
DCO Project Development Manager.
Brockwell Energy.
Networking Lunch
12:35 to
13:35
Panel discussion: Balancing industry growth with UK’s land constraints – is there capacity to deliver the next generation of large-scale solar farms?
13:35 to
14:20
- Understanding how much land would be required to meet CP30 ambitions
- The role of the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan in identifying optimal locations for solar energy
- The implications of high land competition for renewable energy and critical infrastructure – which projects should take priority?
- Innovative solutions for overcoming land constraints – the progress with floating offshore solar
Speakers:
Louise Staples.
Rural Surveyor.
National Farmers’ Union.
Simon Wheeler.
Director of Development.
Enso Energy.
Rob Garratt.
Head of Development.
Clearstone Energy.
Embedding battery storage systems into solar schemes – increasing project’s value and energy efficiency
14:20 to
14:45
- Integrating BESS into project’s layout from the beginning
- What are the biggest challenges facing co-location? How can these be addressed?
- Maximising the commercial value of both infrastructure and land – reduced costs for higher returns
Speaker:
Rob Peters.
Chief Commercial Officer.
British Solar Renewables.
Afternoon refreshments and networking
14:45 to
15:15
Achieving good design in solar development
15:15 to
15:40
- What is good design and why does it matter
- How do we apply it to solar developments
- Benefits of adopting an environmental / landscape led approach
Speaker:
Alex Van der Nelson.
Director.
LDA Design.
Empowering local communities in solar development – practical approaches to enable successful engagement
15:40 to
16:05
- Developing an effective engagement strategy that addresses local concerns around solar schemes
- Best strategies for engaging community groups
- What do recent proposals to remove statutory consultation requirements mean for solar?
Speaker:
Hugh Brennan.
CEO.
Hive Renewables.
Taking solar projects from consent to construction – what needs to be considered to ensure successful delivery?
16:05 to
16:30
- Essential steps for progressing towards operation
- Overcoming supply chain barriers – effectively managing resources available and project’s timelines
- Sourcing skilled professionals to bring projects forward – addressing workforce shortages
Speaker:
Simona Scanu.
Construction Director.
Ethical Power.
Chair’s closing remarks
16:30 to
16:40
Close of conference and networking drinks
16:40 to
17:30