Delivering the energy transition: pace over perfection - Programme

Registration and refreshments

Welcome

Opening keynotes

Panel debate

Navigating net zero: policy trade-offs and priorities for government

Energy and achieving net zero remain in the political spotlight. The years 2025 – 2030 will hold immense significance. They are firmly in the spotlight for the new UK government and will shape our ability to achieve full decarbonisation. Government must swiftly address critical issues such as market dynamics, energy security, cost distribution, infrastructure delivery and strategic planning.

Join us as we explore the essential trade-offs necessary to meet our net zero commitments and the decisions required from the new government.

• Guy Buckenham – Head of Strategic and Emerging Markets Policy, EDF Energy
• Rachel Fletcher – Director for Regulation and Economics, Octopus Energy
• David Joffe – Project Director Delivery of rapid electricity system decarbonisation, Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE)
• Emma Pinchbeck – Chief Executive, Energy UK

BIEE AGM

Keynote

The view from business

• Louise Hellem – Chief Economist, Confederation of British Industry (CBI)

Panel debate

Unlocking sustainable investment: strategies for enhancing the UK’s appeal

It is widely acknowledged that extensive investment across the economy is essential to achieve climate goals and to deliver sustainable economic growth. From heat pumps to hydrogen, the UK must attract significant capital flows.

Uncertainties, notably in governmental policy, can hinder investment, especially in emerging sectors. When a cohesive strategy and policies are deployed, low-cost investments follow, with strong delivery in key technologies such as offshore wind and electric vehicles. Wider policies determine what this means for local economic activity, UK jobs and for billpayers.

Join our panel as we analyse the broader economic landscape, domestically and globally, and discuss strategies to enhance the UK’s investor appeal given the critical role of investors in reaching our targets and driving economic growth.

Chair: Paro Konar – Director for Hydrogen and Industrial Carbon Capture, DESNZ

• Leen Dickx – Director, NERA
• Mallika Ishwaran – Chief Economist, Shell
• Simon Maine – Managing Director – Corporate Communications, Brookfield Asset Management
• Giles Wilkes – Specialist Partner, Flint Global

Keynote

• James Richardson – Acting Chief Executive, Climate Change Committee

Panel debate

Strategic planning and markets: navigating complexity in UK energy strategy

The UK energy system already has elements of strategic planning with carbon targets and capacity requirements set centrally. These have so far been delivered through carefully crafted markets.

This approach has met objectives and kept costs lower than expected. However, the next phase demands greater scale, pace, and tough decisions – not everyone will be pleased.

While greater strategic planning is on the horizon, markets remain crucial for delivery and cost efficiency. How can the UK navigate this challenge amidst vocal local opposition, international competition, complex uncertainties, and the rapid pace and scale required?

Chair: Rob Gross – Director, UKERC

• Estelle Dehon KC – Barrister, Cornerstone Barristers
• Inge Hansen – Director of Group & Markets Regulation, SSE
• Gavin Knott – Chief Economic Advisor, Ofgem
• Mike Thompson – Chief Economist, National Grid ESO