Mass adoption of solar and batteries is becoming increasingly achievable as technological advances and cost reductions take place. Over the past decade, the cost of solar photovoltaics (PV) and storage systems has fallen by significant amounts, with utility-scale solar PV costs dropping by 82%​. In fact, solar and battery storage are projected to comprise 81% of new U.S. electric-generating capacity in 2024​.  These advances, coupled with greater energy efficiency and performance, are making these technologies more accessible to mainstream consumers. 

However, challenges remain in terms of infrastructure, policy, and financing to support this scale. The key to mass-market adoption lies in improving integration, reducing installation costs, and encouraging regulatory frameworks that support long-term investment.  

 This session explores how solar and battery technologies can be scaled effectively and what further innovations are necessary to make clean energy solutions truly mainstream​.

Discussion Points:  

How we Make solar and batteries truly mass market? 

How can policy better support long-term solar and battery investment? 

What financing models could make solar and battery solutions more accessible? 

What infrastructure upgrades are needed to integrate large-scale solar and batteries into the grid? 

How can we make solar and batteries truly mass market?

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are essential to the transition toward a resilient, low-carbon energy grid, with global BESS market value expected to surpass $50 billion by 2030. Key market shifts, such as declining battery costs and increased renewable energy integration, are enhancing the attractiveness of BESS investments. However, achieving optimal returns requires strategic investment approaches, targeted financial incentives, and supportive policy frameworks. 

 This session explores the evolving business case for BESS, highlighting investment strategies, market dynamics, and policy measures that can drive growth, reduce risks, and secure the financial viability of energy storage investments in a competitive market. 

 Discussion points:

 Investment Strategies, Financial Incentives, and Policy Support to Drive Market Growth 

 What market shifts are facilitating BESS investment and boosting returns?

A clean power system by 2030 will depend on unprecedented levels of flexibility and energy storage to integrate renewables and ensure reliability. This session will explore how much flexibility is needed, the role of technologies like batteries and long-duration storage, and the operational requirements for a secure, resilient grid. Drawing on insights from the Clean Power 2030 report, the discussion will also address the market, regulatory, and planning reforms essential to accelerate the deployment of flexible solutions at the pace required.

Discussion topics:

What does a clean power system need to look like by 2030, and how much energy storage and flexibility are required to achieve this?

How can energy storage technologies, including batteries and long-duration solutions, address variability and ensure system reliability in a clean power system?

What market, regulatory, and planning reforms are essential to unlock the potential of flexibility and accelerate its deployment at scale?

The HyDUS project is an innovative initiative aimed at developing a pilot-scale hydrogen storage system using depleted uranium. By chemically binding hydrogen in a metal hydride form, this technology promises efficient, high-density storage. The project, backed by the UK government’s Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, involves collaboration among EDF, University of Bristol, UKAEA and Urenco. HyDUS has the potential to contribute to long-duration energy storage, by offering a novel hydrogen storage solution, playing a critical role in the future of the energy and hydrogen markets.

Discussion Points:

Innovative Hydrogen Storage Technology: The HyDUS project leverages depleted uranium and a novel bed design to create a metal hydride solution for efficient hydrogen storage – Innovation of beds design, properties of DU and preliminary results from testing

Long-Duration Energy Storage: The technology aims to address the challenge of long-duration energy storage – Integrated lab design at UKAEA, going from electricity to electricity

Future deployment: Plans for the next steps of the Hydus technology.

Meeting the UK’s ambitious 2030 energy targets could require doubling the rate of grid connections, highlighting the need for closer coordination between Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), developers, and Independent Connection Providers (ICPs). Complex approval processes and lengthy timelines in the DNO-developer-ICP interface currently impede swift project deployment. Adapting regulatory frameworks to allow for faster, more flexible asset connections will be crucial to bridging these gaps.  

 This session explores the primary challenges and examines collaborative models and advanced technologies that can streamline connections, align stakeholders, and accelerate progress toward a responsive, future-ready grid infrastructure. 

 Discussion Points:  

What are the key obstacles in the current DNO-developer-ICP interface, and how can we streamline processes for faster grid connections?

How can regulatory and policy frameworks adapt to support more agile and efficient asset connection timelines?

What collaborative models and technologies can help align DNOs, developers, and ICPs to meet 2030 energy targets?

Join Gavin Stewart from SSEN in this session, which explores the concept of Flexibility within SSEN’s operational framework.

Attendees will learn about the importance of Flexibility for efficient network management, how to engage in SSEN’s Markets, and gain insights into decision-making processes regarding forecasting, scheduling, and dispatch. In addition, Gavin will discuss how SSEN are maintain a secure network by assessing the risk of Flexibility Shortfall.

Discussion Points:

What specific strategies can stakeholders implement to effectively participate in Flexibility Markets, and what challenges might they face?

How does SSEN prioritise cost, reliability, and carbon emissions in its decision-making processes for dispatching flexibility services?

In what ways can enhanced forecasting and scheduling improve the overall efficiency of energy networks in the context of increasing demand for flexibility?

How are SSEN managing the operational risks associated with operating the network more flexibly?

Innovation plays a crucial role in the deployment of the technologies, systems, processes and business models needed to deliver a net zero energy system. Running since March 2021, the Net zero innovation portfolio funds innovation across 10 areas, including energy storage and flexibility. As the energy system decarbonises, energy storage and flexible energy use by the consumer are needed to maximise the use of renewable energy, and provide energy where and when it is needed efficiently and cost-effectively. This session will look at the role innovation has played in delivering a net zero energy system, and the role it might play in the future.

Although superseded by subsequent political events, we must not forget that just over a year ago the UK Parliament passed the most extensive piece of energy legislation in well over a decade with significant impacts for various distributed energy sectors. As secondary legislation emerges from the Energy Act 2023, we must reflect on what has changed since its passage and how the new Government is adopting the duties that came as a result of its passage. 

 Discussion Points:  

• How successful has been the progress following the passing of Energy Bill in 2023 

• Do we see the new Government to have sufficient commitment to follow through fully with all parts of the Bill, 

• How do we see progress on the remaining elements of the Bill and it’s future impact on the sector. 

AI and digital tools have the potential to reduce energy consumption by up to 10% across major sectors, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency. In the UK, these data-driven strategies could save billions, driving energy resilience and sustainability. Engaging over 30 million households with digital assets, as well as commercial users, is essential and requires tailored approaches to boost adoption. With AI-powered insights into consumption patterns and secure data-sharing infrastructure, the energy sector can achieve smarter, targeted conservation efforts and advance toward a more sustainable future. 

 This session explores these key opportunities and challenges, offering strategies for implementing AI and digital innovations to transform energy management. 

 Discussion Points:  

• How does right-time data analysis enhance energy management and decision-making? 

• How do we ensure that more people engage with digital assets in the energy sector? How does this differentiate between commercial and domestic?  

• How can energy providers implement data-driven strategies to conserve energy? 

• How does data and AI enable a nuanced understanding of energy consumption patterns? 

• How can we enable a data sharing infrastructure? 

The UK government has set a target of producing up to 10 gigawatts (GW) of low-carbon hydrogen by 2030, with at least half of this capacity coming from electrolytic hydrogen. The hydrogen ecosystem offers a pivotal opportunity to support a resilient and sustainable energy future. From enhancing energy storage to enabling grid stability, hydrogen technologies are poised to play a vital role in balancing the UK’s energy mix. However, achieving scalable hydrogen integration requires overcoming key challenges, such as improving production efficiencies and establishing cost-effective storage infrastructure. 

 As industry regulations and incentives evolve, stakeholders must navigate compliance while driving innovation in hydrogen applications. Securing robust investment will also be essential to advance hydrogen’s role across distributed and renewable energy networks. This session will explore the strategies, technologies, and partnerships needed to realise hydrogen’s full potential, fostering a collaborative approach to accelerate decarbonisation. Join us to examine the path forward for hydrogen in the energy ecosystem. 

Discussion Questions: 

• What technological advancements are most critical for scaling hydrogen production efficiently? 

• How can hydrogen storage solutions be optimised to support renewable energy integration? 

• What are the primary challenges in deploying hydrogen applications across distributed energy networks? 

Many industrial sites struggle to find ways to decarbonise their heat affordably. Fortunately, newer technologies have now reached the point where they can deliver cost savings compared to fossil fuels.  

 Depending on the site’s requirements a combination of behind-the-meter solar, heat pumps, and Caldera’s Storage Boilers can deliver an optimal solution. This session will cover the pros and limitations of each technology, and how to use them to deliver both carbon and cost reductions. 

 Discussion points: 

• The challenge of industrial heat decarbonisation is the price of natural gas – how can electrification beat gas? 

• Heat pumps are an efficient way to decarbonise heat due to their COP – what are their limitations? 

• How does thermal storage stack up against other storage solutions such as batteries?  

Advancements in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are being driven by the digitalisation of energy infrastructure, enabling enhanced energy optimisation and more efficient asset management. Real-time data analytics and predictive maintenance are improving both performance and longevity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is further revolutionising the sector by enabling smarter decision-making, predictive algorithms for demand forecasting, and optimised charge/discharge cycles. These innovations allow for more precise load-shifting and peak shaving, reducing costs and enhancing energy efficiency.  

Integrating BESS with energy management systems optimises power production, balancing supply with demand, and driving down overall energy costs. This session explores how these technological breakthroughs are shaping the future of energy storage and management. 

Discussion Points:  

• How is digitalisation in Battery Energy Storage Systems transforming energy optimisation and asset management? 

• What role does Artificial Intelligence play in improving the efficiency and decision-making of next-generation Battery Energy Storage Systems? 

• How can energy management systems and Battery Energy Storage technology optimise power production through peak shaving and load-shifting to reduce energy costs? 

The UK’s commitment to decarbonising by 2030 presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses and households. Achieving this ambitious goal necessitates a fundamental shift towards greater energy flexibility. National Grid ESO’s modelling underscores the critical role of “demand flexibility,” projecting an increase from nearly 3GW to approximately 11-12GW by 2030. This growth is vital for balancing supply and demand in an energy landscape increasingly dominated by wind and solar power. 

 By optimising energy consumption and storage, demand flexibility enhances grid stability, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, and contributes to significant emissions reductions. This session will explore the essential technologies for realising this vision, paving the way for a resilient and sustainable energy future in the UK. 

 Join us to discuss how we can collectively harness flexibility to seize the opportunities of tomorrow and create a greener, more sustainable energy landscape. 

 Discussion Points: 

• What are the main barriers to energy flexibility, and what new solutions are addressing them? 

• How should policy and regulation evolve to support energy flexibility with more renewables? 

• What strategies and partnerships can scale energy flexibility across sectors and regions

Machine learning (ML) is revolutionising the energy sector by enhancing flexibility services and enabling more efficient management of renewable energy sources. By analysing network data in real-time, ML algorithms can predict demand fluctuations, optimise energy storage, and improve the accuracy of flexibility services needed to balance supply and demand. 

  This session explores how ML can scale flexibility markets by enabling more granular, data-driven decision-making, allowing energy providers to offer tailored solutions to consumers and network operators. It also delves into the challenges and opportunities of implementing ML-driven flexibility, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and sustainable energy system. 

 Discussion Points:   

• How Does Monitoring of Network Data Inform the Need for Flexibility Services? 

• How can this scale up the flexibility market  

• What role does machine learning have in the provision of flexibility

• What are the key legislative and regulatory challenges currently impacting heat network zoning, and how can they be addressed? 

• How can emerging technologies, such as smart grids and renewable energy integration, enhance the effectiveness of heat network zoning in the future? 

• What strategies can be implemented to improve public acceptance and stakeholder engagement in the planning and implementation of heat networks? 

Welcome note from Energy Technology Live Stage Sponsor, Voltalis

The UK’s existing network of over 17,000 heat networks presents a significant opportunity to enhance urban energy sustainability. Expanding these systems is crucial for meeting decarbonisation targets and fostering energy resilience in towns and cities. However, achieving this ambition involves addressing key challenges, including the affordability of heat networks for consumers and the integration of innovative pricing models. 

As regulatory landscapes evolve, stakeholders must prepare for compliance, ensuring that developments align with future guidelines. Additionally, securing adequate funding will be essential for establishing and expanding these networks, creating a collaborative approach that leverages both public and private investment. This session will delve into the strategies and technologies needed to scale heat networks effectively, promoting a sustainable energy future. 

 Join us to explore how we can collectively advance urban heat solutions and capitalise on the opportunities that lie ahead. 

Discussion Points: 

• Can we truly develop town and city scale Heat Networks?  

• How do we make heat networks more affordable for consumers? 

• How can we prepare for regulation?  

• What about funding? 

Investing in a diverse array of long-duration energy storage technologies is crucial for building a sustainable, reliable energy system. With global energy storage needs projected to grow 15-fold by 2030, options like flow batteries, pumped hydro, compressed air, and thermal storage each bring distinct advantages across different applications—from enhancing grid stability to supporting off-grid locations. This range of solutions allows for tailored approaches to energy challenges, enabling more efficient storage and balancing renewable output.  

 However, widespread adoption demands overcoming obstacles such as cost, efficiency, and infrastructure requirements. Selecting the right mix of storage technologies will be essential for securing a resilient, clean energy future. 

 Discussion Points:  

• Why is it important to invest in technologies beyond lithium batteries?  

• What alternatives are out there?  

• Where would each technology be the most useful? 

This session invites participants to envision a reimagined UK energy system that addresses current challenges such as monopolisation and rising consumer costs  

Asif Rehmanwala, CEO of Ecotricity, will discuss necessary regulatory reforms and strategies to create a sustainable, equitable, and efficient energy future that prioritises both affordability and accountability for consumers.  

 Discussion Points:  

• What key regulatory changes would reshape the UK’s energy system to better serve consumers? 

• How would grassroots initiatives transform local energy production and consumption? 

• What principles should guide the balance between profitability and affordability in the energy sector? 

Join us for an insightful session on the critical role of sizing and specification in solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to achieve the UK’s net zero ambitions. Discover how precise system sizing ensures maximum efficiency, optimising both energy production and storage. This talk will delve into how solar and BESS can significantly cut carbon emissions by reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources, thereby supporting sustainability goals. Learn about the latest advancements in these technologies and their potential to enhance energy independence, providing resilient and reliable power solutions. Perfect for energy professionals and sustainability advocates, this session will provide valuable insights into harnessing these technologies for a greener future.

The latest advancements in energy-smart infrastructure could enable cities to reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, driving progress toward sustainable urban environments. By integrating technologies such as smart grids, energy storage, and IoT-enabled systems, cities have the potential to optimise energy use and minimise carbon footprints.  

 However, achieving these outcomes depends on active community involvement and education to foster a culture of sustainability and energy efficiency. Essential policies and regulatory frameworks will be critical in facilitating this transition, helping cities address infrastructure challenges, support innovation, and establish a resilient, energy-smart future for urban populations. 

 Discussion Points:  

• What are the latest technological advancements that can optimise energy consumption in urban areas, and how can cities effectively integrate these technologies into existing infrastructure? 

• How can cities engage communities in the transition to energy smart infrastructure?  

• what role does education play in fostering a culture of sustainability and energy efficiency among residents? 

• What policies and regulations are necessary to support the development and deployment of energy smart infrastructure?  

Advancements in energy storage are pivotal to realising a net-zero future, providing essential support for grid stability and reliability amid rising demand and a shift toward renewable energy sources. Energy storage technologies enable the integration of variable, decentralised generation, balancing supply and demand to maintain a resilient energy system.  

 However, optimising these systems requires robust regulatory frameworks and policy changes that support innovation and deployment at scale. This session explores the latest breakthroughs in energy storage, their role in shaping future energy systems, and the regulatory landscape needed to drive widespread adoption. 

Discussion Points:  

• How are advancements in energy storage technologies shaping the future of energy systems? what role do they play in meeting increasing demand and integrating renewable energy? 

• How can energy storage systems be optimised to ensure grid stability and reliability, particularly as energy generation becomes more variable and decentralised? 

• What regulatory and policy changes are needed  

This session will present the Market Monitor, a LCP Delta/smartEn co-authored publication that provides an overview of the accessibility and participation of demand side flexibility across 30 European markets – covering ancillary services, distribution system flexibility, residential flexibility, capacity markets and wholesale spot markets.   

Discussion Points:  

• Evolution of EU Markets for DSF; 

• Provide an overview of the Regulatory Framework for DSF in the EU; 

• Development progress of flexibility from the System Operator side. 

The future of battery reuse, particularly through second-life applications, plays a crucial role in creating a circular economy. As electric vehicle (EV) batteries reach the end of their first life, repurposing them for energy storage applications can extend their usefulness, reduce waste, and support grid stability. With their capacity to store energy, second-life batteries can be integrated into stationary storage systems, helping to mitigate grid constraints by balancing supply and demand. Additionally, these batteries could support EV charging infrastructure by providing cost-effective energy storage solutions that reduce peak demand. This session explores how we can maximise the potential of repurposed EV batteries, ensuring a sustainable and circular approach to battery lifecycle management. 

 Discussion Points:   

• How do we ensure we create a circular economy with repurposed EV Batteries?   

• How can they be used for energy storage applications?  

• Can second life Batteries support EV charging ? Can they help mitigate grid constraints? 

Net-zero finance is emerging as a powerful tool to support business growth and sustainability initiatives in the energy sector. Increasingly, financial products like green bonds and transition finance are helping to funnel capital into decarbonisation and sustainable projects. However, businesses face several challenges when seeking funding, such as navigating complex regulations and demonstrating the financial viability of long-term sustainability investments.  

Asset finance, which secures capital by leveraging project assets, can help overcome these barriers by offering more flexible and accessible funding options. This session will explore the various funding opportunities available, including public and private investment, and discuss strategies to unlock these resources for a sustainable future​ 

Discussion Points:   

• How can Net Zero finance be leveraged to support business growth and sustainability initiatives across the energy sector? 

•   What are the key challenges businesses face when seeking funding for decarbonisation and sustainable projects, and how can asset finance address these challenges? 

• What funding is available and how can we unlock it? 

Clean Power 2030 sets ambitious goals for a sustainable, low-carbon energy future, and flexibility markets are key to making it a reality. This fireside chat will delve into the evolving flexibility marketplace and how innovative solutions enable investors and energy users to play a proactive role in the energy transition. With nearly 20 years of experience optimising diverse assets across multiple markets, Flexitricity brings unique insights into what it takes to make flexibility truly effective. Andy will share valuable perspectives on Flexitricity’s approach and the future of flexible energy. 

Discussion Points: 

• What is flexibility, and how are these markets evolving?
   

• What does it take to optimise flexibility at scale, and how does this vary across asset types?
   

• What are the emerging opportunities in flexibility energy markets?

Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is seen as a key technology to ensure a reliable, low-carbon energy future, particularly as renewable energy sources like wind and solar become more prevalent. LDES can store excess energy over longer periods, addressing intermittency and providing stability when generation dips. Despite its potential, there are challenges in scaling LDES in the UK, including high costs and regulatory barriers. 

 International case studies, such as Australia’s 200MWh pumped hydro storage project and the UK’s growing interest in iron-air batteries, highlight successful applications. This session will explore LDES’s role in the energy mix, its scalability, and the regulatory environment needed to support its adoption   

Discussion Points:   

• Is there a need for Long Duration Energy Storage in the future energy mix? Why do some consumers hold apprehension towards it?    

• What are some of the most successful case studies for it’s application internationally?   

• How do we ensure Long duration energy storage is scalable in the UK? How do we ensure a favorable regulatory environment?   

Global generation capacity for low carbon renewable energy such as wind and solar power has greatly increased in recent years, leading to an increasing need for energy storage to address curtailment of excess energy and  balance supply with demand.  Large-scale energy storage is possible via various technologies including pumped hydro schemes; underground cavern storage of natural gas, hydrogen and compressed air; shallow and deep geothermal storage; battery storage and innovative technologies such as storage of heat as molten salt or gravity storage utilising disused mineshafts.  

 Geological understanding is key to the success of many of these and the UK’s rich geological heritage includes thick beds of halite that can be developed for cavern storage, depleted hydrocarbon fields that have held large amounts of oil and gas over geological time and saline aquifers with pore space that could be utilised for energy storage. There are also novel uses of the subsurface such as lined tunnels for compressed air, abandoned mines for heat and cool storage and permeable rocks/caverns for underground pumped hydro projects. This presentation will provide an overview of recent BGS involvement in energy storage science and an introduction to the energy storage research capabilities of the recently completed UK Geoenergy Observatories in Cheshire and Glasgow. 

Discussion points: 

• What is the current focus for companies looking to invest in energy storage, in terms of global regions, power sources and storage technologies? 

• What are the opportunities for large- scale subsurface energy storage vs small scale local schemes and how might these interact? 

• What are the priority areas for UK investment in subsurface research, innovation and skills development?