Date: 13.30-17.00, Tuesday 3 October
Location: Burges Salmon, 1 Glass Wharf, Bristol
One thing that all low carbon energy projects have in common is the need for a connection to the grid. Connecting to the grid is perhaps the biggest challenge for developers of projects such as solar farms, battery storage and electric vehicle charging facilities – as well as for our net zero ambitions more generally.
To address the challenge, we now have action plans from the ESO and ENA, far-reaching grid reform proposals out for consultation from the ESO and an action plan due from DESNZ and Ofgem. The focus from decision makers on reform of the dysfunctional connection process is welcome. However, these changes will have significant implications for investors and developers, introducing milestones and a ‘gated’ process that will shift the dynamic of project development.
This session brought together leading players in connections reform to understand the implications for project developers and investors and how our sector can shape changes at this critical stage.
The event was followed by networking drinks reception.
Speakers included:
- Eleanor Warburton, director of energy systems, Ofgem
- Paul van Heyningen, deputy director, net zero electricity networks, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Monika Paplaczyk, investment director, Thrive Renewables
- Mikey Clark, head of grid connections, EDF Renewables
- Catherine Cleary, specialist grid connections engineer, Roadnight Taylor
- Kester Jones, head of connections, National Grid Electricity Distribution
- Laura Henry, connections policy and change manager, National Grid ESO
- Mike Ryan, commercial director, Constantine Energy Storage
- David Boyer, director – electricity systems, Energy Networks Association
- Alec Whiter, partner, Burges Salmon
This was a Regen and Electricity Storage Network thought leadership event, kindly sponsored by Burges Salmon and Roadnight Taylor.
