Free
Chairs: Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor, Joe Colebrook, grid connections manager, Innova
Secretariat: Merlin Hyman, chief executive officer, Regen
13:30 Networking for in-person delegates
14:00 Welcome from the chair - Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor
14:10 Connection asset charging – SGT - Update from the latest Connections Delivery Board
14:20 Implementation of the end-to-end review - Update on the end-to-end review implementation from Ofgem
14:40 Implementation of grid connections reform - Update on recent Regen engagement regarding the implementation of grid connections
15:10 Update from NESO on Implementation Hubs Matthew Vickers, director of connections, NESO
15:50 AOB and questions
16:00 Meeting close
Chairs: Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor, Joe Colebrook, grid connections manager, Innova
Secretariat: Merlin Hyman, chief executive officer, Regen
13:30 Networking for in-person delegates
14:00 Welcome from the chair - Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor
14:10 Connection asset charging – SGT - Update from the latest Connections Delivery Board
14:20 Implementation of the end-to-end review - Update on the end-to-end review implementation from Ofgem
14:40 Implementation of grid connections reform - Update on recent Regen engagement regarding the implementation of grid connections
15:10 Update from NESO on Implementation Hubs Matthew Vickers, director of connections, NESO
15:50 AOB and questions
16:00 Meeting close
Chairs: Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor, Joe Colebrook, grid connections manager, Innova
Secretariat: Merlin Hyman, chief executive officer, Regen
13:30 Networking for in-person delegates
14:00 Welcome from the chair - Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor
14:10 Connection asset charging – SGT - Update from the latest Connections Delivery Board
14:20 Implementation of the end-to-end review - Update on the end-to-end review implementation from Ofgem
14:40 Implementation of grid connections reform - Update on recent Regen engagement regarding the implementation of grid connections
15:10 Update from NESO on Implementation Hubs Matthew Vickers, director of connections, NESO
15:50 AOB and questions
16:00 Meeting close
The UK has set out clear ambitions for a net zero energy system. Critical to this challenge is ensuring that new generation and low carbon technology can connect to the grid quickly and easily, and at the capacity and volume needed to meet net zero.
In response to this challenge, we have set up a working group for members which provides an opportunity to discuss issues impacting access to the electricity grid, engaging closely with the network operators.
If you are a member of Regen or the ESN and would like to find out more about this working group, please contact Frank (fhodgson@regen.co.uk).
If you are not a member but are interested in finding out more about membership, please find more information here and contact Hannah (hstanley@regen.co.uk) to discuss.
Members get discounted rates on all our events and free attendance at our working groups, along with a range of other benefits.
The ESN Winter Conference served as a platform for key industry players and policymakers to come together and engage in debate over what’s needed to attract the billions of investments required for this crucial asset class – from supportive policy and regulatory frameworks, shifting revenue strategies, and evolving business models.
We now have over 3.3 GW and 4.1 GWh of battery storage operational and GWs in construction. Grid-scale electricity storage is well-established as key to a zero-carbon energy system, a testament to the success of our 85+ Electricity Storage Network members.
We heard directly from ESN members and key decision-makers – from DESNZ, Ofgem and National Grid ESO – on the latest changes across a range of topics critical to the storage sector, including the Balancing Mechanism, grid connections, fire safety, and long-duration energy storage policy development. This was also an opportunity to learn about the ESN’s work to ensure policy, markets and regulation are geared to enable the storage sector to flourish and grow at the pace and scale required.
This replaces the Electricity Storage Network (ESN) Annual Conference usually held every January, established as one of the most popular industry events in the calendar leading the debate on the future of grid scale electricity storage.
Chairs: Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor, Joe Colebrook, grid connections manager, Innova
Secretariat: Merlin Hyman, chief executive officer, Regen
13:30 Networking for in-person delegates
14:00 Welcome from the chair - Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor
14:10 Connection asset charging – SGT - Update from the latest Connections Delivery Board
14:20 Implementation of the end-to-end review - Update on the end-to-end review implementation from Ofgem
14:40 Implementation of grid connections reform - Update on recent Regen engagement regarding the implementation of grid connections
15:10 Update from NESO on Implementation Hubs Matthew Vickers, director of connections, NESO
15:50 AOB and questions
16:00 Meeting close
Chairs: Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor, Joe Colebrook, grid connections manager, Innova
Secretariat: Merlin Hyman, chief executive officer, Regen
13:30 Networking for in-person delegates
14:00 Welcome from the chair - Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor
14:10 Connection asset charging – SGT - Update from the latest Connections Delivery Board
14:20 Implementation of the end-to-end review - Update on the end-to-end review implementation from Ofgem
14:40 Implementation of grid connections reform - Update on recent Regen engagement regarding the implementation of grid connections
15:10 Update from NESO on Implementation Hubs Matthew Vickers, director of connections, NESO
15:50 AOB and questions
16:00 Meeting close
Chairs: Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor, Joe Colebrook, grid connections manager, Innova
Secretariat: Merlin Hyman, chief executive officer, Regen
13:30 Networking for in-person delegates
14:00 Welcome from the chair - Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor
14:10 Connection asset charging – SGT - Update from the latest Connections Delivery Board
14:20 Implementation of the end-to-end review - Update on the end-to-end review implementation from Ofgem
14:40 Implementation of grid connections reform - Update on recent Regen engagement regarding the implementation of grid connections
15:10 Update from NESO on Implementation Hubs Matthew Vickers, director of connections, NESO
15:50 AOB and questions
16:00 Meeting close
This annual event is a platform for key industry players and policymakers to gather and debate what’s needed to attract the billions of pounds of investment required for this crucial asset class – from supportive policy and regulatory frameworks to shifting revenue strategies and evolving business models.
Chairs: Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor, Joe Colebrook, grid connections manager, Innova
Secretariat: Merlin Hyman, chief executive officer, Regen
13:30 Networking for in-person delegates
14:00 Welcome from the chair - Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor
14:10 Connection asset charging – SGT - Update from the latest Connections Delivery Board
14:20 Implementation of the end-to-end review - Update on the end-to-end review implementation from Ofgem
14:40 Implementation of grid connections reform - Update on recent Regen engagement regarding the implementation of grid connections
15:10 Update from NESO on Implementation Hubs Matthew Vickers, director of connections, NESO
15:50 AOB and questions
16:00 Meeting close
Chairs: Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor, Joe Colebrook, grid connections manager, Innova
Secretariat: Merlin Hyman, chief executive officer, Regen
13:30 Networking for in-person delegates
14:00 Welcome from the chair - Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor
14:10 Connection asset charging – SGT - Update from the latest Connections Delivery Board
14:20 Implementation of the end-to-end review - Update on the end-to-end review implementation from Ofgem
14:40 Implementation of grid connections reform - Update on recent Regen engagement regarding the implementation of grid connections
15:10 Update from NESO on Implementation Hubs Matthew Vickers, director of connections, NESO
15:50 AOB and questions
16:00 Meeting close
Chairs: Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor, Joe Colebrook, grid connections manager, Innova
Secretariat: Merlin Hyman, chief executive officer, Regen
13:30 Networking for in-person delegates
14:00 Welcome from the chair - Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor
14:10 Connection asset charging – SGT - Update from the latest Connections Delivery Board
14:20 Implementation of the end-to-end review - Update on the end-to-end review implementation from Ofgem
14:40 Implementation of grid connections reform - Update on recent Regen engagement regarding the implementation of grid connections
15:10 Update from NESO on Implementation Hubs Matthew Vickers, director of connections, NESO
15:50 AOB and questions
16:00 Meeting close
The UK has set out clear ambitions for a net zero energy system. Critical to this challenge is ensuring that new generation and low carbon technology can connect to the grid quickly and easily, and at the capacity and volume needed to meet net zero.
In response to this challenge, we have set up a working group for members which provides an opportunity to discuss issues impacting access to the electricity grid, engaging closely with the network operators.
If you are a member of Regen or the ESN and would like to find out more about this working group, please contact Frank (fhodgson@regen.co.uk).
If you are not a member but are interested in finding out more about membership, please find more information here and contact Hannah (hstanley@regen.co.uk) to discuss.
The Electricity Storage Network, managed by Regen, is an industry group and voice for grid-scale electricity storage in GB
Chairs: Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor, Joe Colebrook, grid connections manager, Innova
Secretariat: Merlin Hyman, chief executive officer, Regen
13:30 Networking for in-person delegates
14:00 Welcome from the chair - Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor
14:10 Connection asset charging – SGT - Update from the latest Connections Delivery Board
14:20 Implementation of the end-to-end review - Update on the end-to-end review implementation from Ofgem
14:40 Implementation of grid connections reform - Update on recent Regen engagement regarding the implementation of grid connections
15:10 Update from NESO on Implementation Hubs Matthew Vickers, director of connections, NESO
15:50 AOB and questions
16:00 Meeting close
Chairs: Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor, Joe Colebrook, grid connections manager, Innova
Secretariat: Merlin Hyman, chief executive officer, Regen
13:30 Networking for in-person delegates
14:00 Welcome from the chair - Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor
14:10 Connection asset charging – SGT - Update from the latest Connections Delivery Board
14:20 Implementation of the end-to-end review - Update on the end-to-end review implementation from Ofgem
14:40 Implementation of grid connections reform - Update on recent Regen engagement regarding the implementation of grid connections
15:10 Update from NESO on Implementation Hubs Matthew Vickers, director of connections, NESO
15:50 AOB and questions
16:00 Meeting close
Chairs: Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor, Joe Colebrook, grid connections manager, Innova
Secretariat: Merlin Hyman, chief executive officer, Regen
13:30 Networking for in-person delegates
14:00 Welcome from the chair - Nikki Pillinger, specialist connections manager, Roadnight Taylor
14:10 Connection asset charging – SGT - Update from the latest Connections Delivery Board
14:20 Implementation of the end-to-end review - Update on the end-to-end review implementation from Ofgem
14:40 Implementation of grid connections reform - Update on recent Regen engagement regarding the implementation of grid connections
15:10 Update from NESO on Implementation Hubs Matthew Vickers, director of connections, NESO
15:50 AOB and questions
16:00 Meeting close
The UK has set out clear ambitions for a net zero energy system. Critical to this challenge is ensuring that new generation and low carbon technology can connect to the grid quickly and easily, and at the capacity and volume needed to meet net zero.
In response to this challenge, we have set up a working group for members which provides an opportunity to discuss issues impacting access to the electricity grid, engaging closely with the network operators.
If you are a member of Regen or the ESN and would like to find out more about this working group, please contact Frank (fhodgson@regen.co.uk).
If you are not a member but are interested in finding out more about membership, please find more information here and contact Hannah (hstanley@regen.co.uk) to discuss.
If you're not sure which membership option is best for you, reach out to our stakeholder manager, Hannah Stanley.
Contact HannahIf you're not sure which membership option is best for you, reach out to our stakeholder manager, Hannah Stanley.
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Merlin leads Regen's mission to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon energy system. Under his leadership, Regen has developed into a leading organisation shaping the strategic pathway to a clean energy future.While focusing on the systemic challenges of decarbonising power, heat and transport, Merlin is a leading voice in grid connection reform, chairing NESO's Connections Reform Advisory Group. He also sits on several leading forums, including DESNZ/Ofgem's Connections Delivery Board.
Merlin has spent his career working for solutions to the climate crisis, championing public policies that unlock the power of businesses and communities to transform our energy system. Previously, he was a director of the Environmental Industries Commission, where he worked in Whitehall and Westminster to ensure government support for companies providing environmental solutions. Merlin is also a non-executive director for Communities for Renewables. He is an influential figure in energy policy and was awarded an OBE in 2019 for services to sustainable energy.
Merlin can often be found attempting yoga or messing about on boats in Devon.
Joe holds years of experience in grid connections and has helped develop a strong pipeline of solar and energy storage assets, including co-located sites.
Innova’s mission is to create utility-scale renewable energy projects using multi-technologies, to provide clean energy to communities and businesses both directly and indirectly, and to take large energy users off-grid whilst meeting or exceeding our environmental obligations.
Nikki is one of the most respected and well-liked individuals in the connections community.
Since achieving an MSc in Energy Policy from the University of Exeter, Nikki has worked in the energy industry for eight years, with five of those as a grid connection specialist. Most recently she has headed up the grid connections function at GRIDSERVE, where she managed connections for all its EV charging forecourts and utility-scale renewables projects.
Prior to GRIDSERVE, Nikki spent three years at British Solar Renewables – where she headed up the grid team managing its connections for a diverse range of solar and storage installations.
As well as spearheading the origination, safeguarding, de-risking, project-management and energisation of a large number of connections, Nikki has led the grid oversight in a significant volume of both project acquisitions and project sales. She knows how to make an attractive connection, and the costly pitfalls to avoid.
Nikki sits on a number of DNO’s connections steering groups, two Regen working groups (their Grid Connections Working Group, and their Review of Electricity Market Arrangements Working Group) and the Solar Energy UK Grid Steering Group. She uses her considerable influence to promote and disseminate connections best practice, and to bring about incremental improvements in technical and commercial policies that accelerate the deployment of low carbon technologies.
A huge congratulations goes to all those shortlisted for the 2024 Green Energy Awards.
