2023 Full Conference Agenda

In the pursuit of a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape, the evolution of Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) into entities that incorporate Distribution System Operator (DSO) functionality becomes paramount. By embracing this shift, a more efficient and streamlined energy system can be created, offering innovative solutions to address the climate emergency.  

Flexibility emerges as a key player for DNOs, not only in response to the environmental crisis but also as an essential component of future distribution system operations. This collaborative effort aims to unlock the potential of flexibility, facilitating the transition towards a net-zero future—a monumental challenge that necessitates a DNOs active engagement with the marketplace. 

This session will bring together representatives from the UK’s DNO’s to discuss the future needs of the energy system, how DSOs are evolving, and how flexibility can be an enabler in the pursuit of Net Zero.  

Discussion Points:  

• How can DNOs evolve to incorporate DSO functionality? 
• What will the new roles of the FSO, RESP and DSO offer in creating a more efficient and streamlined energy system? 
• What is the role of flexibility as a response to the climate emergency? 

In 2022, 17% of total CHP fuel input came from renewable fuels, the rest came predominately from natural gas. The ongoing challenge within our industry revolves around the growing misconceptions surrounding Combined Heat and Power (CHP) due to its reliance on natural gas. What often goes overlooked is the constant operation of gas power stations, running 24/7, 365 days a year. The critical perspective should focus on CHP displacing the gas input into these stations rather than considering the entire energy mix.  

To minimize carbon emissions consistently, it becomes imperative for those capable of utilizing CHP to integrate it into their operations as frequently as possible. Regrettably, some individuals are opting to deactivate their existing CHP systems, overlooking the potential environmental benefits they could contribute. 

This session aims to debunk the growing misconceptions surrounding CHP, while emphasising its importance in many organisations’ decarbonisation journeys.  

Discussion Points:  

• How can we encourage the continued use of CHP in our decarbonisation efforts?  
• How can the industry shift focus to recognize CHP’s role in displacing gas input in 24/7 gas power stations, rather than evaluating the entire energy mix? 
• What challenges do organizations face in consistently integrating CHP to minimize carbon emissions, and how can these challenges be addressed? 

In 2022, 17% of total CHP fuel input came from renewable fuels, the rest came predominately from natural gas. The ongoing challenge within our industry revolves around the growing misconceptions surrounding Combined Heat and Power (CHP) due to its reliance on natural gas. What often goes overlooked is the constant operation of gas power stations, running 24/7, 365 days a year. The critical perspective should focus on CHP displacing the gas input into these stations rather than considering the entire energy mix.  

To minimize carbon emissions consistently, it becomes imperative for those capable of utilizing CHP to integrate it into their operations as frequently as possible. Regrettably, some individuals are opting to deactivate their existing CHP systems, overlooking the potential environmental benefits they could contribute. 

This session aims to debunk the growing misconceptions surrounding CHP, while emphasising its importance in many organisations’ decarbonisation journeys.  

Discussion Points:  

• How can we encourage the continued use of CHP in our decarbonisation efforts?  
• How can the industry shift focus to recognize CHP’s role in displacing gas input in 24/7 gas power stations, rather than evaluating the entire energy mix? 
• What challenges do organizations face in consistently integrating CHP to minimize carbon emissions, and how can these challenges be addressed? 

One of the most significant challenges facing the realisation ESG goals in the energy sector is the persistent issue of grid connections. The inability to successfully connect assets to the grid has become a major bottleneck, hindering the implementation of sustainable projects. This grid connection dilemma directly impedes progress toward achieving sustainability targets, preventing the seamless integration of renewable energy into the existing power infrastructure.  

To alleviate these grid connection challenges and expedite the journey towards net-zero targets, stakeholders must engage in collaborative efforts with regulatory bodies, invest in grid infrastructure upgrades, and streamline approval processes to facilitate the timely and efficient connection of low carbon assets to the grid.  

This panel aims to address these challenges head-on, and contemplate the solutions required to bring your assets online quicker.  

Discussion Points 

• How are grid connection challenges delaying Sustainability targets?   
• What are the potential solutions to speed up assert integration to the grid? Do we need extensive upgrades to our energy infrastructure?  
• What other solutions are available?
• What is the role of regulators?  

One of the most significant challenges facing the realisation ESG goals in the energy sector is the persistent issue of grid connections. The inability to successfully connect assets to the grid has become a major bottleneck, hindering the implementation of sustainable projects. This grid connection dilemma directly impedes progress toward achieving sustainability targets, preventing the seamless integration of renewable energy into the existing power infrastructure.  

To alleviate these grid connection challenges and expedite the journey towards net-zero targets, stakeholders must engage in collaborative efforts with regulatory bodies, invest in grid infrastructure upgrades, and streamline approval processes to facilitate the timely and efficient connection of low carbon assets to the grid.  

This panel aims to address these challenges head-on, and contemplate the solutions required to bring your assets online quicker.  

Discussion Points 

• How are grid connection challenges delaying Sustainability targets?   
• What are the potential solutions to speed up assert integration to the grid? Do we need extensive upgrades to our energy infrastructure?  
• What other solutions are available?
• What is the role of regulators?  

One of the most significant challenges facing the realisation ESG goals in the energy sector is the persistent issue of grid connections. The inability to successfully connect assets to the grid has become a major bottleneck, hindering the implementation of sustainable projects. This grid connection dilemma directly impedes progress toward achieving sustainability targets, preventing the seamless integration of renewable energy into the existing power infrastructure.  

To alleviate these grid connection challenges and expedite the journey towards net-zero targets, stakeholders must engage in collaborative efforts with regulatory bodies, invest in grid infrastructure upgrades, and streamline approval processes to facilitate the timely and efficient connection of low carbon assets to the grid.  

This panel aims to address these challenges head-on, and contemplate the solutions required to bring your assets online quicker.  

Discussion Points 

• How are grid connection challenges delaying Sustainability targets?   
• What are the potential solutions to speed up assert integration to the grid? Do we need extensive upgrades to our energy infrastructure?  
• What other solutions are available?
• What is the role of regulators?  

In 2022, the British industrial sector emitted an estimated 331.5 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, reflecting a 2.4% reduction compared to the preceding year. Projections for 2023 suggest a modest further decline. However, despite this progress, the United Kingdom faces substantial challenges on its journey toward achieving the ambitious 2050 target of net-zero emissions unless far more is done.  

A separate study revealed that a staggering 30% of the total energy consumption, equivalent to approximately £33.9 billion, is attributed to industrial activities. Evidently, there exists a significant opportunity for industrial users to not only diminish their carbon footprint but also enhance energy resilience, leading to substantial cost savings. 

This panel will present insightful case studies, which unpack the latest strategies technologies which can decarbonise UK industry.  

Discussion Points  

• What steps can UK industry take to decarbonise? How easy will it be?  
• What is the low hanging fruit of British decarbonisation? Insulation? Heat Pumps? Flexible energy?

In 2022, the British industrial sector emitted an estimated 331.5 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, reflecting a 2.4% reduction compared to the preceding year. Projections for 2023 suggest a modest further decline. However, despite this progress, the United Kingdom faces substantial challenges on its journey toward achieving the ambitious 2050 target of net-zero emissions unless far more is done.  

A separate study revealed that a staggering 30% of the total energy consumption, equivalent to approximately £33.9 billion, is attributed to industrial activities. Evidently, there exists a significant opportunity for industrial users to not only diminish their carbon footprint but also enhance energy resilience, leading to substantial cost savings. 

This panel will present insightful case studies, which unpack the latest strategies technologies which can decarbonise UK industry.  

Discussion Points  

• What steps can UK industry take to decarbonise? How easy will it be?  
• What is the low hanging fruit of British decarbonisation? Insulation? Heat Pumps? Flexible energy?

In this fireside chat, Philip Steel, Future Technologies Evangelist at Octopus Energy, shares an engaging case study. Philip will discuss how Octopus secured special government funding to assess their cutting-edge smart meter network with Octopus smart products. 

Philip will be joined by a distinguished representative from DESNZ to explore the technical feasibility of overseeing smart devices through the Data Communication Centre’s Smart Meter System (DCC SMS).  

Discussion Points:  

• What is the scope of R&D for this project?  
• Where are they up to?  
• What do they expect to achieve?  
• What would be the commercial use in the context of distributed energy assets?  

In the 2022/2023 Winter, the ESO’s Demand Flexibility Service saved over 3,300 MWh of electricity—enough to power nearly 10 million homes in Great Britain. Approximately, 1.6 million households and business took part, providing a great deal of flexibility for the ESO.  

Evidentially, consumers stand as key contributors to the success of energy flexibility. Effectively managing consumer usage not only addresses various challenges within the energy domain—such as enhancing energy security, optimising grid balance, and fortifying energy resilience—but also aligns with our overarching goal of achieving net-zero targets and diminishing daily carbon emissions in our lives. But is there more that needs to be done?  

This session will unpack the latest case studies and technological innovations which are helping to scale up consumer participation in flexibility services.  

Discussion Points:  

• How can individual consumers and small businesses actively engage in energy markets for flexibility provision? 
• What strategies will be discussed to boost the participation of consumers and small businesses in flexibility services? 
• Why is scaling up consumer involvement in flexibility services crucial, and what are the benefits?