ENERGY TRANSITION SERIES: ENERGY SYSTEMS

Series of webinars organised by PES GB and REA
On-line weekly EVENING sessions | May through July 2021 | 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm

Following the PES GB’s successful first webinar series held over the summer 2020 (with its main aims to increase the awareness of its members of the spectrum of industries operating in the UK to deliver clean energy (zero net greenhouse gases), the REA and PES GB are hosting a webinar series delving deeper into the Energy Transition story.

The UK’s energy system is one of the most developed and successful anywhere in the world. It was, though, designed and built for the age of fossil fuels.  Whilst now at a record low level, fossil fuels, primary petroleum products and natural gas still accounted for just over 79% of energy supply in 2019. This dependency on fossil fuels is set to change dramatically and the Energy White paper model will see electricity providing over half of final energy demand, effecting both how we heat and cool our homes & businesses and transport people and goods across our land. This change will revolutionise the energy system and not because it must support the deployment of clean energy technologies, but its need to adapt to a world in which energy is far more decentralised. In session two we considered the importance of consumers, this webinar examines the need for a Smart electricity system, how do we make sure it is supported by efficient electricity markets, which in turn must tap into the burgeoning and exciting world that modern digital infrastructure developments can deliver by marrying both markets and physical networks.  It is not just about electricity, as our gas network, one of most established in the world, will need to adapt to accommodate the “push for power” and decarbonise too.

To help understand the system challenges, Dr Nina Skorupska CBE, Chief Executive REA will host a conversation with senior leaders of the System Operator, National Grid ESO, Leading Academic Energy Markets, a major power systems company that sees “Building as Grids” and the UK’s Energy Systems Catapult.

WEBINAR SCHEDULE | 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm

Thursday 03 June 2021 – Energy Systems – our race to Net zero must accommodate a digitised, decarbonised, decentralised and democratic energy world

Speaker: Philip New, CEO of the Energy Systems Catapult

Philip is the CEO of the Energy Systems Catapult. The ESC was established in April 2015 with the remit to support the transition of the UK Energy System and enable economic growth from the many commercial and technological opportunities that will be created as the way we make, distribute and use energy undergoes radical change over the coming decades. He is a Commissioner on the global Energy Transition Commission and a member of the Global Futures Council of the World Economic Forum.  Philip is also a Fellow of the Energy Institute and sits on various Advisory Panels.

Before joining the Catapult Philip worked for BP for over 30 years in a range of international commercial leadership roles. Philip has an MA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University.

Speaker: Randolph Brazier M.Phil, B.Eng(Hons), B.Sc, Director of Innovation & Electricity Systems, Energy Networks Association

Randolph is the Director of Innovation & Electricity Systems at the Energy Networks Association, and has over ten years of experience in the electricity and energy sector in the UK, Europe and Australia. Randolph leads teams looking at Digitalisation, Engineering, Future Networks (Open Networks Project), Innovation, Low Carbon Technologies and Resilience. He is responsible for co-ordinating and delivering a broad range of strategic initiatives, including how networks can help to deliver Net Zero.

He has previous experience in the design and management of multi-disciplinary power projects in the power and renewables sectors. Randolph has an M.Phil in Engineering for Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge and has presented at a wide range of events and conferences.

Speaker: Matthew Wright Head of Strategy and Regulation – National Grid System Operator

Matthew is Head of Strategy and Regulation, having joined National Grid ESO in April 2021.

He has over 30 years of experience in the utilities sector, most recently as Managing Director of Ørsted in the UK. Matthew has also served as CEO of Southern Water and EVP of Power Delivery at US electric utility PacifiCorp. He is a Board member of POWERful Women, a professional initiative to advance gender diversity within the energy sector.

Siobahn Meikle – Managing Director, Eaton Corporation

Siobahn Meikle is zone leader, UK & Ireland, for Eaton, a power management company. Named to this role in May 2020, Siobahn is responsible for Eaton’s Electrical business in the UK & Ireland —overseeing sales, marketing, and day-to-day management. Before taking on her current position, Siobahn was sales director, Power Distribution and Life Safety Divisions, Electrical Sector, for Eaton’s Europe, Middle East and Africa Region (EMEA). Her responsibilities included sales, key accounts and support functions, and sponsorship of the commercial construction segment across all Eaton business units.

Before joining Eaton in November 2016, Siobahn was head of key accounts at Hilti, supporting customers in the construction, industrial, and energy sectors with high-quality products and services.

FURTHER AHEAD

Thursday 10 June 2021 – Transport – understanding the six strategic priorities on the journey to deliver a Net Zero Transport system 

Thursday 17 June 2021 – Buildings – what will it take to eliminate emissions from our homes and businesses by 2050? (see ‘Sessions 6-9’ tab)

Thursday 24 June 2021 – Industrial Energy – the transformation of industry through the decarbonisation of energy (see ‘Sessions 6-9’ tab)

Thursday 01 July 2021 – Oil & Gas – rising to the challenge of the energy transition and the profound implications of the change ‘imposed’ on the oil and gas industry 

Thursday 08 July 2021 – Summary and final thoughts – bringing it all together for a Net Zero future

More information on all session topics and speakers soon to be announced.

For any issues with booking please contact [email protected].