Transitioning to a net zero energy system in 2050 will require a more integrated systems approach to decarbonising power, heat, transport and industry sectors. Energy flexibility has the potential to play a significant role to achieving the transition at lowest cost.
Register now for the Carbon Trust Net Zero Energy Transition Week – a series of virtual events exploring the crucial steps necessary to deliver a smart and flexible net zero energy transition.
Over three days, we will discuss the role of flexibility in achieving net zero in the global energy system, present findings on next frontiers of energy system decarbonisation in the UK and deep-dive into emerging insights from areas including hydrogen, transport, heat and local energy systems.
You will have the opportunity to hear from energy transition thought leaders and key industry players across a broad range of organisations including Bryt Energy, EDF Energy, Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM), Kiwi Power, Low Carbon Contracts Company, National Grid ESO, National Infrastructure Commission, SSE, Western Power Distribution and more.
The event will include the launch of Flexibility in Great Britain, a consortium project which explores the potential for an integrated and flexible energy system to reduce the cost of reaching the UK’s net zero economy goal by 2050.
Event schedule
Day 1 - Tuesday 18 May 2021
10am to 12.30pm BST Next frontiers of energy system decarbonisation - includes the official launch of the Flexibility in Great Britain project
What is the role of flexibility in reaching net zero? How important is it in reaching our goals more cost-effectively and what can we gain from putting it at the centre of our net zero journey?
Speakers include:
- Dan Hamza Goodacre, Climate and Energy Advisor
- Richard Smith, Co-Director of Energy Systems Management & Security
- Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Chair of the Carbon Trust
- Professor Goran Strbac, Imperial College London
Day 2 - Wednesday 19 May 2021
10am to 12pm BST 2050 net zero challenge - what major energy system developments will be required to achieve this target?
The energy system has to undergo major development if we are to reach our 2050 goal. How does flexibility help in scoping and delivering the necessary change? How can it support hard choices between solutions? And what are our 'no regrets' options?
Speakers include:
- Chris Stark, Chief Executive, Climate Change Committee
- Steve Hargreaves, Strategy Director, EDF Energy
- Alex Coulton, Head of Policy & Insights, Low Carbon Contracts Company
- Becky Hart, Strategy Manager, National Grid ESO
- Nathan Wyatt, Senior Policy Advisor, National Infrastructure Commission
2pm to 4pm BST Role of smart technology
What is the value of flexibility solutions enabled through smart technology to a net zero energy system? What are the key barriers and opportunities to unlocking these benefits? What can we do now to prepare for new technologies, new business models and new opportunities? How can different demand customers, from domestic users to major industry, be empowered to take a full part?
Speakers include:
- Dr Danny Pudjianto, Advanced Research Fellow, Imperial College London
- Chris Curry, Head of Flexibility, Bryt Energy
- Jay Zoellner, Chief Executive, Kiwi Power
- Dhara Vyas, Head of Future Energy Services, Citizens Advice
Day 3 - Thursday 20 May 2021
10am to 12pm BST Infrastructure development and co-ordination - the role of networks in supporting the transition
Flexibility has an important role to play in major energy system infrastructure decisions across electricity, gas and hydrogen. How can infrastructure developers and operators best leverage and support this through effective coordination to unlock whole system benefits?
Speakers include:
- Roger Hey, DSO Systems & Projects Manager, Western Power Distribution
- Keith Owen, Chair of Hydrogen Committee, IGEM and Head of Systems Development, Northern Gas Networks
- Melanie Bryce, Programme Director, SSEN
- Stathis Mokkas, Energy Markets Lead, UK Power Networks
2pm to 4.30pm BST The need for a whole systems approach
What is to be gained from a whole-system deployment of flexibility? How can interlinked networks help support a much bigger electricity grid with the electricity system carrying far more power and with linked systems - transport/mobility, heat, industry - working in concert?
Speakers include:
- Matt Hastings, Head of Innovation - Energy Systems, InnovateUK
- Philip Valarino, Electric Vehicles Lead, EDF Energy
- Steve Atkins, DSO Transition Manager, SSE
- Rick Curtis, Programme Manager - Smart Energy Systems, Greater London Authority (GLA)
International attendees are encouraged to register and join us live on the virtual platform for part of the event. A recording will be available for any sessions that were missed due to time differences.
Who should attend?
- Energy companies
- Network operators
- Policy makers
- Local authorities
- Heat and power networks
- Community groups
- Transport, heat and power equipment and service sectors
- Innovation agencies
- Academia
About the Carbon Trust
At the Carbon Trust we are committed to supporting the energy transition, and through our upcoming work on energy flexibility and integrated systems development we will be able to provide much needed evidence to enhance decision making at this crucial moment.
