Registration and refreshments
08:45 to
09:30
Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
09:30 to
09:40
Speaker:
Becky Fowell.
Project Manager.
Regen.
The road to Clean Power 2030 and beyond – next steps for improving energy security and system flexibility
09:40 to
10:05
- Progress to date and key challenges over the next four years to meet CP2030 targets
- Where is investment needed the most and where is it currently being allocated?
- Plans for decarbonising the UK’s energy network after 2030
Speaker:
Ben Golding.
Director, Clean Power 2030 Unit.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Clearing the gridlock – the latest updates on connection reforms and market opportunities for new energy projects
10:05 to
10:30
- What does the new connections delivery pipeline mean for existing and future schemes?
- Updated timelines for Gate2 and Gate1 offers post 2030
- Insight on the next stages of connection reforms – how can developers prepare for the next application window?
Speaker:
James Norman.
Head of Connections Strategy.
NESO.
Panel discussion: Unlocking the potential of connection reforms – what has worked so far and which barriers still remain?
10:30 to
11:15
- Can grid policy changes fully remove bottlenecks and open up constrained capacity?
- What risks need to be addressed following the reordering of the connection queue?
- Enabling greater coordination between TOs, DNOs and NESO to effectively deliver connection reforms’ outcomes
- Updates on project implementation from developers who have gained new offers
- What are the best opportunities for development across key geographical areas and project types?
Speakers:
Kate Laidlow-Singh.
Of Counsel.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.
Ed Birkett.
Renewable Energy Project Developer.
Morning refreshments and networking
11:15 to
11:45
Case Study: Securing a connection offer in the Gate 2 process – leveraging lessons learned for future application windows
11:45 to
12:10
- Providing evidence of meeting readiness criteria and strategic alignment
- Maintaining project flexibility while effectively managing risks and delays
- What were the unexpected challenges that emerged during the process? How can these be better addressed in the future?
Speaker:
Hafiz Milhan.
Senior Grid Connections Manager.
Zenobē.
Successfully navigating an evolving consenting regime – what do recent planning and grid policy changes mean for new projects?
12:10 to
12:35
- Insight on the revised National Policy Statement for electricity networks infrastructure
- New considerations when incorporating distribution and transmission assets into planning applications
- The implications of grid reforms on the wider planning process
Speaker:
Ian Mack.
Partner.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.
Networking lunch
12:35 to
13:35
Practical approaches for overcoming key challenges faced during early-stage community engagement for grid and energy infrastructure
13:35 to
14:00
- Communicating project’s benefits with limited information available – considering site locations and connection points
- Strengthening public confidence in major grid infrastructure needed to support energy demands
- What will early consultation look like considering the proposals to remove statutory requirements?
Speaker:
Robert Laird.
Director.
Ardent.
Panel discussion: What’s needed to develop an effective and realistic spatial energy plan? Next steps for aligning infrastructure with future power needs
14:00 to
14:45
- Mapping out potential zonal locations for energy generation – where does the UK need new projects to emerge?
- How will the SSEP deal with mis-alignments with the current pipeline and how will this be enforced?
- How should the SSEP interact with existing planning policies and regional strategic plans?
- Cross-sectoral considerations – including food production, water supply, and transport
Speakers:
Catherine Howard.
Partner.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.
Julie McDowell.
Strategic Energy Planning Expert.
Equinor.
Charles Wood.
Deputy Director, Policy.
Energy UK.
Holly Hoban.
Energy Analyst.
Regen.
Afternoon refreshments and networking
14:45 to
15:15
Preparing the electricity network for a changing climate – building a resilient system to reduce infrastructure failures
15:15 to
15:40
- Lowering asset vulnerability to extreme weather events – considering flooding and heatwaves
- Best strategies for predicting likelihood of impacts and implementing the right mitigation measures
- Ensuring continuity of supply during climate disruptions
Speaker:
Dr Amit Bhave.
CEO & Co-Founder.
CMCL.
What does the future smart grid look like? Innovative technologies that are enhancing grid connectivity and flexibility
15:40 to
16:05
- Using AI to automate and optimise grid operations while strengthening reliability
- Leveraging data to improve transparency and facilitate decision-making
- New digital tools that are being tested to modernise the network
Speaker:
Joseph Davidson.
Energy Systems Innovation Manager – Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund.
Innovate UK.
Chair’s closing remarks
16:05 to
16:15
Close of conference and networking drinks
16:15 to
17:30