11:15 Welcome
Mark Dunk, Head of Engineering, Energy Networks Association

11:20 Future control room
Looking at how and what vendors are in the market for future room control stimulators, that are evolved yet cost efficient
Matthew Hamilton, Project Manager - Future Networks, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

11:35 NeSTS: New Suite of Transmission Structures
Learning and updates from the New Suite of Transmission Structures project will be presented, including an update on the status of its trial OHL construction.
Tim Sammon, R&D Project Manager, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

11:50 Advanced weather forecasts for dynamic line rating
Anusha Arva, Innovation Engineer, National Grid ET
Ian Pearman, Senior Scientist, Met Office
Frederick Brauer, Strategic Account Manager, Met Office

12:05 EDGE-FCLi: The Cutting EDGE of Fault Level Limiting Technology

• The problem we are trying to solve and motivation for carrying out the network trial.
• The solution – EDGE-FCLi technology and how it operates to limit fault level infeed from Distributed generation.
• The main performance results that have been observed from the testing and trial data analyses.
• Main learning that has been recorded from our project experiences with the technology.

Daniel Hardman, Senior Electrical Engineer, GHD (on behalf of Western Power Distribution)

12:20 Constraint Management

• Advanced Modelling for Network Planning under Uncertainty project is helping us to better advise National Grid Electricity Transmission, Scottish Power Transmission and Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission on where their proposed projects and improvements to the network will have the most impact, based on the possible outcomes of different future scenarios.
• Optimal Coordination of Active Network Management Schemes and Balancing Services Market project is looking at optimally coordinated design approach between ANM schemes and balancing services markets - it is critically important to ascertain and understand the synergies and conflicts associated with the potential for ANM schemes in networks inhibiting the delivery of ESO system support services through DER.

Tolulope Esan, Power Systems Engineer, National Grid ESO
Thomas Petty, Economics Engineer, National Grid ESO

12:35 Chair’s closing remarks
Mark Dunk, Head of Engineering, Energy Networks Association

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11:15 Welcome
Dr Angela Needle, Director of Strategy, Cadent 

11:17 A regulatory view of the hydrogen safety case
HSE will share their role in supporting the energy networks in key innovation projects around the energy system transition, and the need for evidence to demonstrate the case to support regulatory change to enable a greater percentage of hydrogen into the networks.
Kelli Jones, Head of Energy Policy, Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

11:28 A successful demonstration of hydrogen in the home: HyDeploy
In 2019, HyDeploy became the first project in the UK to inject a blend of up to 20% by volume of hydrogen into the existing gas supply. The project has proved successful, with the hydrogen blends having been safely and efficiently distributed to 100 domestic properties and up to 30 university campus buildings. Consumers noted no difference between the hydrogen blend and that of their former gas supply and are proud to be advocates for this innovative project. The outputs of this project will be crucial in closing the evidence gaps needed to facilitate the future roll out of hydrogen blends.
Sikander Mahmood, Hydeploy Project Manager, Cadent 

11:38 H21 phase 1
A brief overview of the work undertaken so far on H21 Phase 1. This phase investigated the suitability of the network to transport 100% hydrogen and deliver the quantified safety evidence necessary to inform a government policy decision on hydrogen for use in the existing gas network.
David Tomkin, H21 System Modeller, Northern Gas Networks

11:50 Gas Goes Green 2.0: the blending timeline
This Gas Goes Green project has investigated the market framework change activities required to facilitate hydrogen blending into the gas networks. In this session, we will share the key conclusions from the project, including the recommended next steps to deliver the required market change to meet the 2023 government target.
Bill Goode, Senior Development Lead, National Grid Gas Transmission

12:00 Panel
How will networks build the evidence for hydrogen?

• How network innovation is contributing to the evidence for the role of hydrogen in a net zero energy system
• How much hydrogen can we safely blend into Britain’s gas networks? What are the next steps in developing the safety case for blending hydrogen?
• Which refurbishments are required of our existing infrastructure to enable the safe transportation of 100% hydrogen?

Moderator:
Dr Angela Needle, Director of Strategy, Cadent 
Panellists include:
Kelli Jones, Head of Energy Policy, Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Lloyd Mitchell, Hydrogen Engineering Lead, National Grid Gas Transmission
Neil Rowley, Market Strategy Manager, National Grid Gas Transmission
Mark Danter, Senior Project Manager, Northern Gas Networks
Prof. James Yu, Head of Innovation, SP Energy Networks

12:40 Wrap-up
Dr Angela Needle, Director of Strategy, Cadent 

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11:15 Welcome
Dr Richard Dobson, Practice Manager – Data Systems, Energy Systems Catapult

11:16 Machine learning and artificial intelligence projects
Introduction to one of National Grid ESO’s top strategic priorities, Digital Transformation, and an overview and update of two projects addressing the challenge:
Control React: a project exploring how advanced data analytics and insights can be used by our control room to identify forecast errors and uncertainties, understand their cost impacts and ultimately make informed decisions to improve the operational efficiency of the electricity system.
Probabilistic Machine Learning Solution for Dynamic Reserve Setting: a project attempting to prototype an advanced Machine Learning model as an ambitious methodology to capture the various sources of uncertainty, to be created in parallel with the BAU development of new models.
Gabriel Griffin-Booth, Senior Analyst – Commercial Development, National Grid ESO

11:26 National Grid’s digitalisation programmes
5G – Art of the Possible: this project aims to investigate the opportunities that 5G networks can offer a company such as National Grid with regards to the provision of high bandwidth wireless communication channels as well as location-based services. This is a joint project with National Grid Electricity Transmission supplied by the Digital Catapult.
The i40 Connectivity Project aims to identify, test and trial a cost-effective approach for enabling least-functionality business use cases for remote connectivity and establish appropriate cyber security measures in accordance with Cyber Security Standard IEC62443, Network & Information System Directive (NISD) and the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF).
Corrosion Modelling: the objective of the proposed innovation project is to demonstrate interactive models of current and future corrosion risk using predictive analytics on a site of strategic importance on the National Transmission System.
Mat Currell, Innovation Delivery Specialist, Dave Hardman, Innovation Specialist and Rachel Hassall, Principal Data Scientist, National Grid Gas Transmission
Thomas Charton, Senior Innovation Engineer, National Grid Electricity Transmission

11:38 Sensors/IoT project
The aim of the Printable Pressure Sensor project was to explore the capabilities of printed electronics to embed IoT sensing technologies into everyday network components to transform our infrastructure into a 21st century Smart Gas Grid.
Keith Owen, Head of Energy Systems, Northern Gas Networks

11:54 Pressure control and management
This SGN led ‘collaborative GDN’ NIA project with Wales and West Utilities and Utonomy as the main project partners, with SAITH providing independent technical support, successfully completed this year. The presentation will provide an insight into the project story surrounding the development and assessment of Utonomy’s ‘Remote Control’ Electronic Actuator concept, some of the challenges faced by the project team, plus the key learning and outputs achieved at project completion.
Tom Jeffries, Head of Product Management, Utonomy
Mark Skerritt, Innovation Project Manager, SGN

12:08 Panel
What are the energy networks’ next steps in digital innovation?
Moderator:
Dr Richard Dobson, Practice Manager – Data Systems, Energy Systems Catapult
Panellists:
John Richardson, Head of Innovation, SGN
Carolina Tortora, Head of Digital Transformation and Innovation Strategy, National Grid ESO
Tom Pollock, Head of Information Management, Northern Gas Networks
Jonathan Berry, Data and Digitalisation Manager, Western Power Distribution

12:40 Wrap-up
Dr Richard Dobson, Practice Manager – Data Systems, Energy Systems Catapult

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11:15 Welcome
Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation, Energy Networks Association

Quickfire presentations 
New technologies that will enable the energy system of the future, featuring speakers from innovative companies.

11:20 Securing visibility of future network challenges
Jim McRae, Product Manager, Kelvatek

11:25 Building the digital grid
Dr Ben Hall, UK Utilities Lead, Palantir

11:30 Enhance network performance: predict faults, prevent interruptions, and protect networks
Jonathan Rodgers, Future Networks Manager and Samir Alilat, Innovation & Business Development Lead, Kelvatek

11:35 Trip Saver 2
Nathan Hollins, Senior Application Manager, S&C Electric Company

11:40 Flexibility optimisation and dispatch
Graham Ault, Executive Director and Esther Hwang, Senior Product Owner - Utility DERMS, Smarter Grid Solutions

11:45 Steps to unlocking value in our energy data
Jim Allen, Future Energy Networks Strategy Manager, Capula

11:50 GridOS: an end-to-end distributed energy management platform for safe and efficient system operations
Rebecca Gu, Business Development Manager, UK and Europe, Opus One

11:55 Q&A panel

Your chance to ask live questions with the innovators behind these key technologies.

Moderator: 
Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation, Energy Networks Association

Panellists:
Jim McRae, Product Manager, Kelvatek
Dr Ben Hall, UK Utilities Lead, Palantir
Nathan Hollins, Senior Application Manager, S&C Electric Company
Rebecca Gu, Business Development Manager, UK and Europe, Opus One
Jonathan Rodgers, Future Networks Manager, Kelvatek
Jim Allen, Future Energy Networks Strategy Manager, Capula
Graham Ault, Executive Director, Smarter Grid Solutions
Esther Hwang, Senior Product Owner - Utility DERMS, Smarter Grid Solutions

12:10 Wrap-up
Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation, Energy Networks Association

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9:30 Welcome
Randolph Brazier, Director of Innovation and Electricity Systems, Energy Networks Association

09:32 Electrification of transport: charge
Charge will, for the first time, merge transport and electricity network planning to create an overarching map of where EV charge points will be required and where they can be best accommodated by the electricity grid.
Geoff Murphy, Chartered Engineer, SP Energy Networks

09:45 Equal EV
Investigating and improving enablers and barriers for EV adoption for people with disabilities to ensure a just and smart transition.
Victoria Murchie, Stakeholder and Communications Manager, and Kate Jones, Project Manager – Innovation Strategy, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

10:00 Shift: insights on smart charging 
Facilitating the electrification of transport is central to our role as an electricity network and a key enabler in achieving Net Zero in the UK. We forecast the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on our network to increase to up to 4.5 million over the next 10 years. Join this presentation to learn more about UK Power Networks’ flagship market-led smart charging trial, including detailed results from our three live trials testing smart charging approaches with hundreds of domestic participants.
Carol Choi, Senior Innovation Analyst, UK Power Networks

10:30 Panel
What do the networks need to do next to support the electrification of transport?

• How to efficiently install, operate and maintain rapid charge points throughout the country?
• Collaborating with stakeholders to develop the systems, network solutions and capability to enable the transition to eTransport
• Future requirements for major fleet owners

Moderator:
Randolph Brazier, Director of Innovation and Electricity Systems, Energy Networks Association
Panellists:
Thore Muerer, Senior Fleet Director Europe, DHL Express
Garry Birmingham, Programme Director, First Bus Company
Richard Hartshorn, EV Readiness Manager, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

10:55 Wrap-up
Randolph Brazier, Director of Innovation and Electricity Systems, Energy Networks Association

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9:30 Welcome
Chris Train, Green Gas Champion, Energy Networks Association

9:35 European keynote
The European hydrogen backbone initiative 
Dr Aoun will talk through the plans, progress and challenges ahead for the 39,700km hydrogen pipeline project spanning 21 countries and involving 12 gas TSOs.
Dr Marie-Claire Aoun, Chair, Gas for Climate

9:45 FutureGrid Phases 1 & 2
The project will involve building a hydrogen test facility from a representative range of decommissioned NTS assets. Flows of hydrogen and natural gas blends (up to 100% hydrogen) will then be tested at NTS pressures, to better understand how hydrogen interacts with the assets. The data gathered will be used to assess the impact that a hydrogen conversion of NTS assets will have. This presentation will provide an update on the project and a look ahead to further phases.
Tom Neal, Innovation Delivery Manager, National Grid Gas Transmission

10.00 The Future of Local Transmission System
SGN’s NIA LTS Futures programme is the leading national endeavour, investigating above 7bar Local Transmission System (LTS) pipelines’ suitability for conversion to hydrogen. The programme is designed to develop the safety, technical and practical evidence to support the use of hydrogen in the LTS. This critical asset distributes gas at high pressure from the National Transmission System to towns and cities. A significant percentage of SGN’s LTS network consists of relatively low-strength pipeline grades that operate at low stresses. This supports the LTS’ suitability for hydrogen transportation and storage.
Nancy Thomson, Energy Futures Project Manager, SGN

10:15 Panel
Vision of the infrastructure for net zero

• Comparing the approaches of the UK and European hydrogen transmission infrastructure plans
• Barriers and next steps for moving toward 100% hydrogen networks
• Will hydrogen become an export business within Europe? Will we see hydrogen transmission networks joining up the UK to the continent?
• What impact will a 100% hydrogen system have on the energy system as a whole?

Moderator:
Chris Train, Green Gas Champion, Energy Networks Association
Panellists include:
Dr Marie-Claire Aoun, Chair, Gas for Climate
Dr Danielle Stewart, Hydrogen Programme Manager Gas Transmission, National Grid Gas Transmission
Phil Halsey, Net Zero Manager, Cadent 
Angus McIntosh, Director of Energy Futures, SGN

10:55 Wrap-up
Chris Train, Green Gas Champion, Energy Networks Association

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9:30 Welcome
Dr Richard Dobson, Practice Manager – Data Systems, Energy System Catapult

9:35 MyDart (Phase 2)
The myDart project initially started as a proof of concept to understand if we could develop a, user friendly, standard mobile application, which was capable of consuming geospatial data, with an embedded rules based capability (spatial and non-spatial) which could enforce on site data capture quality. On the success of the POC, phase 2 looked to develop the solution in to a production ready system, which will be used to record NGN’s replacement activities, enhancing data quality resulting in significant efficiency savings.
Glen Batterham, Business Analyst, Northern Gas Networks

9:50 A ‘one stop shop’ for welfare provision: Customer welfare decision tool
Engineers often encounter customers who could benefit from additional welfare support – especially those on the Priority Services Register (PSR). Working with Frazer-Nash, with support from the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), Cadent has developed an innovative new tool for engineers to tailor welfare products and services for customers who might find themselves in a vulnerable situation. This removes the guesswork for engineers, giving operations teams confidence that they have supported someone in a vulnerable situation efficiently and based on robust evidence.
Vishal Dhanji, Innovation Project Manager – West Midlands, Cadent 

10:05 Panel
How can we ensure we don’t leave behind the non-digital native consumers?

• Why do digital skills matter in the future of energy: what's the risk for people who are digitally excluded or don't have the skills to engage?
• Are current consumer protections robust enough to handle the scale and pace of change when it comes to the digitalisation of energy?
• What are the key points in the customer journey that industry and companies should be thinking about tackling?
• What can we learn from other markets and countries?

Moderator:
Dhara Vyas, Head of Future Energy Systems, Citizens Advice
Panellists include:
Steven Gough, DSO Technical Authority, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
Eileen Brown, Customer Experience Director, Northern Gas Networks 
James Kerr, Consumer Strategy Lead, National Grid ESO

10:55 Wrap-up
Dr Richard Dobson, Practice Manager – Data Systems, Energy System Catapult

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9:30 Funding innovation in RIIO-2
Dr Geraldine Paterson, Innovation Manager, Electricity North West
Lucy Mason, Innovation Manager, Wales & West Utilities

9:40 Interactive session
The SIF process and future innovation funding

• The SIF process: how it is working and a chance for innovators to feed back on the process
• Alignment of funding: plans for co-funding of SIF projects
• Flagging other funding programmes available for energy network innovations

David Richardson, Innovation Lead for Energy Systems, UKRI

9:55 Polling panel
RIIO-2 innovation strategies and planning

• Gas and electricity network innovation priorities for RIIO-2
• What solutions do we need from the supply chain?

Panellists:
Lucy Mason, Innovation Manager, Wales & West Utilities
Dr Geraldine Paterson, Innovation Manager, Electricity North West
Emily Seto, Senior Strategy Manager, Ofgem
David Richardson, Innovation Lead for Energy Systems, UKRI

10:45 How you can feed into the joint innovation strategy
Key themes for this year’s innovation strategy and how you can get involved in it.
Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation, Energy Networks Association

10:55 Wrap-up
Dr Geraldine Paterson, Innovation Manager, Electricity North West
Lucy Mason, Innovation Manager, Wales & West Utilities

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11:30 Welcome

11:35 EFFS: Why an Enhanced Forecasting System is needed

• Introduction and background to the project – purpose for undertaking the project and its key objective
• Why forecasting is important for providing a DSO capability?
• Market interaction – the need /capability to interface with market platforms
• Key project learning

Ryan Huxtable, Innovation Engineer, Western Power Distribution

11:50 Flexibility: DSO Fusion
FUSION is actively working to unlock flexibility through aggregator participation in the flexibility market. By facilitating this structured and competitive market, based on the Universal Smart Energy Framework (USEF), network flexibility will be accessible to a much wider range of participants. The creation of a flexibility market will go beyond existing bilateral trading of flexibility, providing a whole systems approach to realising the value of flexibility.
Michael Green, Project lead, SP Energy Networks

12:05 Customer Led Distribution System
Northern Powergrid

12:20 Crowd Flex
Shona Watt, Senior Analyst – Strategy Development, National Grid ESO 
David Watson, Founder and CEO, Ohme Technologies Limited 
Alex Schoch, Head of Flexibility, Octopus Energy Group Limited

12:40 The GOPACS platform
Paul de Wit, Senior Advisor, Regulatory Affairs, Alliander

12:55 Wrap-up

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11:30 Welcome
David Jones, Sustainable Transport Strategy Manager, Cadent 

11:32 Hydrogen storage for zero carbon fleet transport
A study to understand the vehicle duty cycle and power requirements of the collaborating networks fleets, with the aim of assessing the hydrogen refuelling station requirements needed to promote the development of zero emissions utilities vehicles.
Stephen Offley, Transport Manager and Steven Pettiford, Transport Technical Assistant, Wales and West Utilities

11:44 The future of hydrogen trains in the UK

• The role of hydrogen in the UK’s future rail network
• How the gas networks can support in bringing these plans to fruition

Mike Muldoon, Head of Business Development UK&I, Alstom

11:55 Pilots and plans for a hydrogen bus fleet
Steven Hayes Head of Network Transformation Transport for West Midlands

12:05 Green Gas Transport Pathway
This NIA project defined a model for transport decarbonisation across the UK and Ireland in order to channel the future efforts of stakeholders in both industry and government. It involved Cadent, Gas Networks Ireland, National Grid, Northern Gas Networks, SGN, Wales and West Utilities.
Richard Riley, Principal, Element Energy

12:20 Panel
How can gas networks prepare to support the decarbonisation of transport?

• What were the findings of the recent Well-to-Tank study?
• Gas network operators’ role in engaging with fuelling station operators on new sites and connection options
• Facilitating the large-scale rollout of refuelling sites by 2030
  
• Plans for piloting large-scale purification of hydrogen from the grid to meet transport fuel standards
  
• Demonstrating and scaling up the hydrogen fuel supply chain
• Commercial models and challenges: how can we ensure a continued competitive business case for gas powered fleets?

Moderator:
David Jones, Sustainable Transport Strategy Manager, Cadent 
Panellists include:
Gloria Esposito, Head of Sustainability, ZEMO Partnership
David Gill, Director of Stakeholder Relations, Northern Gas Networks
William Rowe, Founder and CEO, Octopus Hydrogen

12:55 Wrap-up
David Jones, Sustainable Transport Strategy Manager, Cadent 

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11:30 Welcome
Maxine Frerk, Founder and Director, Grid Edge Policy

11:35 EPIC: better outcomes from integrated local energy planning
Energy Planning Integrated with Councils (EPIC) will develop and trial a new process to align plans across energy networks and engage with local authorities. It involves co-creation of energy plans, development of network analysis tools to assess future impacts, creating investment options to ensure networks remain operable and analysing use cases, strategies and scenarios to create a holistic and strategic investment plan. This should provide better resolution visibility of future impacts and better investment outcomes both for the networks and for regional stakeholders.
Jenny Woodruff, Innovation Engineer, Western Power Distribution

11:50 Heat Street: working with communities on low carbon heating
Join Innovation Project Lead Rona Mitchell who will take you through our data-driven research findings for Heat Street which uncovered major insights on future heat decarbonisation pathways. The project took a data-driven look into the future to help local authorities and community energy groups forecast and plan for future deployment of energy efficiency and low carbon heating solutions in our areas.
Rona Mitchell, Innovation Project Lead, UK Power Networks

12:03 Regional decarbonisation pathways
Regional Decarbonisation Pathways looks to identify an affordable pathway to net zero for regions and subregions of the Wales & West Utilities network geography. It also involves the formulation of a conceptual plan laying out a 2050 end state of network, with time slices of how the infrastructure will transition over time.
Henry James, Net Zero Project Manager – Industrial Clusters, Wales & West Utilities

12:17 Panel
Providing whole energy system support for local authorities responding to the climate emergency

• How can network operators help local authorities to better understand their energy system options and the implications for the region?
• Taking into account the different energy system needs of different areas
• Looking at the long-term resilience of local energy systems

Moderator:
Maxine Frerk, Founder and Director, Grid Edge Policy
Panellists include:
Helen Boyle, Head of Regional Development - North West and West Midlands, Cadent 
Mark Knowles, Head of Energy and Climate Change, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Jonny Sadler, Strategic Decarbonisation Manager, Electricity North West
Bethan Winter, Systems Operation Manager, Wales & West Utilities
Jenny Woodruff, Innovation Engineer, Western Power Distribution

12:55 Wrap-up
Maxine Frerk, Founder and Director, Grid Edge Policy

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11:30 Welcome
Stephen Cooper, ICT Security Architect, Northern Powergrid

11:35 An update from the ENA’s Cyber Security Working Group
Stephen Cooper, ICT Security Architect, Northern Powergrid

11:50 Cyber resilience for the future energy system
David Wagstaff, Deputy Director, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

12:05 Cyber security strategies for the energy networks 

12:20 Panel
Why do we need to innovate for cyber security?

• How will increased digitalisation and data sharing affect cyber security at the energy networks?
• What new measures are we already piloting or deploying?
• How do we innovate for cyber security and how will this change throughout RIIO-2?
• Opportunities for new collaborations to protect energy network infrastructure

Moderator:
Stephen Cooper, ICT Security Architect, Northern Powergrid
Panellists include:
Simon Newman, Head of Cyber and Business Services, Police Crime Prevention Initiatives
Agata Samojlowicz, Deputy Challenge Director for Digital Security by Design, UKRI
Phil Green, IS Security and Compliance Manager, Northern Powergrid

12:55 Wrap-up

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13:00 Welcome
Steven Gough, DSO Technical Authority, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

13:05 NeRDA: Near-real time data access
Real time data sharing for DNOs, considered specifically where local energy plans are being developed.
This data is collated via technology connecting system to system.
Fraser Macintyre, Knowledge Analyst and Nigel Bessant, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

13:20 Quest 
Maurice Lynch, Program Manager, Electricity North West

13:35 Interface: an NIA project on connectivity 
Ben Ingham, Electricity North West

13:50 Envision: taking data to the next level 
Envision is developing a software-based machine learning tool that will generate greater Low Voltage (LV) network insights faster and cheaper compared to traditional methods of physical monitoring. Join our experts to find out how we’re upgrading our network visibility to facilitate Net Zero future.
Rob Greenoak, Innovation Programme Manager, UK Power Networks

14:05 Q&A 

14:30 Wrap-up
Steven Gough, DSO Technical Authority, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

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13:00 Welcome
Richard Hynes-Cooper, Head of Innovation, Northern Gas Networks

13:05 Robotic Roadwork Excavation Systems
SGN’s NIC Robotic Roadwork Excavation Systems project has developed a system that automates the excavation process in both rural and urban environments by combining cutting edge robotics, advanced custom tooling and artificial intelligence. As RRES uses soft touch excavation technology, the project aims to open the market for expanding future inspection, maintenance and repair operations. Following successful trials, SGN will look at how the system performed and what this means for utility owners.
Ollie Machan, Innovation Delivery Manager, SGN

13:20 Integrated calibration solution
A demonstration project to develop and enhance the BEAMEX Calibration Solution and associated software. These changes to the software system mean that Wales & West Utilities can gain efficiencies from collecting, analysing and using data in a better way.
Neil Dalley, Senior Project Manager, and Ben Lewis, Senior Network Technician, Wales & West Utilities

13:35 LeakVision
Leakvision utilises state of the art robotics to detect bulk gas leakages within a gas main. The aim of this project is to use and build upon prior knowledge and seek to develop a unique way to identify these key leakages, enabling the accurate location of compromised features. We can detect these leakages whether it is on a joint, connection or pipe wall defect.
Tom McPherson, Project Manager, Northern Gas Networks

13:50 CH4RGE Phases 1 & 2
Phase 1: Completed
The scope of this study is a need case and pre-feasibility study on innovative technologies designed to reduce methane emissions from principally gas compressor machinery trains but potentially other asset types as the data, technology and site reviews progress.
Phase 2: Delivery
Emissions reduction, capture and re-utilisation of vented gas. CH4RGE Phase 2 development, including preparation of FEED for site trials of chosen technology for emissions capture solutions.
Steve Johnstone, Senior Innovation Specialist, National Grid Gas Transmission

14:05 Q&A panel
Innovating for operational efficiency in RIIO-2
Moderator:
Richard Hynes-Cooper, Head of Innovation, Northern Gas Networks
Panellists include:
Ollie Machan, Innovation Delivery Manager, SGN

14:25 Wrap-up
Richard Hynes-Cooper, Head of Innovation, Northern Gas Networks

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13:00 Welcome
Richard Howard, Research Director, Aurora Energy Research

13:05 Hy4Heat update and context
Hy4Heat is a major project aiming to establish the technical feasibility, safety and convenience of replacing natural gas with hydrogen in buildings and appliances. Find out what has been achieved in the project and plans for the next stage of innovation in hydrogen.
Dr Mark Taylor, Deputy Director for Energy Innovation (SICE), Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

13:20 HyCompact
HyCompact aims to support the acceleration of the low carbon heat rollout by overcoming the installation skills challenge, and to minimise emissions from heat. It involves the piloting of compact hybrid heating systems where the heat pump is contained in the boiler. Hear about the interim report results and plans for Phase 2 of this important decarbonisation project.
Ian Rose, Sales and Strategy Director, Passiv UK

13:35 ReHeat
Heating and hot water, predominately from fossil fuels, account for 21% of the UK’s carbon emissions. It is essential that we address this as part of the ongoing work to meet net zero targets. The ReHeat solution includes smart grid controls and smart heating management with domestic heat storage to reduce peak electricity demand as a cost-effective alternative to network upgrades.
Watson Peat, Lead Engineer, SP Energy Networks

13:50 Smart Heat
Delroy Ainsworth, Innovation Project Manager, Electricity North West

14:05 Q&A panel
Developing options for the decarbonisation of heat
Moderator:
Richard Howard, Research Director, Aurora Energy Research
Panellists include:
Dr Mark Taylor, Deputy Director for Energy Innovation (SICE), Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)
Ian Rose, Sales and Strategy Director, Passiv UK
Gerry Boyd, Acting Head of Whole Systems, SP Energy Networks 
Rhys Williams, Innovation Project Manager, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

14:25 Wrap-up
Richard Howard, Research Director, Aurora Energy Research

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13:00 Welcome
Helen Seagrave, Community Energy Manager, Electricity North West

13:05 What’s happening in community energy this year and plans for COP26
Emma Bridge, Chief Executive, Community Energy England
Robert Proctor, Business Development Manager, Community Energy Wales 
Dr Janet Foggie, CEO, Community Energy Scotland

13:15 Case studies: What we have learnt from community energy/network collaborations

• The CommuniHeat project
  Ollie Pendered, CEO, Community Energy South
• Project LEO
  Melanie Bryce, Oxfordshire Programme Director, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
• Working on the CE Strategy with SP Energy Networks
  Victoria Mackay, Project Manager, Community Energy Scotland

13:45 Interactive panel

• What could community energy look like in the future and how can networks support it?
• Why is collaboration with communities important for network operators and net zero?
• Making the economic model work for community energy initiatives, how can network operators help?
• How can community energy organisations get meaningfully involved in network operators’ innovation programmes?

Moderator:
Jodie Giles, Head of Community and Local Energy, Regen
Panellists:
Peter Capener, Managing Director, Bath and West Community Energy
Ben Aylott, Energy Systems Engineer, Carbon Coop
Anda Baumerte, Sustainability Manager, Northern Powergrid
Helen Seagrave, Community Energy Manager, Electricity North West
Ollie Pendered, CEO, Community Energy South

14:25 Wrap-up
Helen Seagrave, Community Energy Manager, Electricity North West

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15:00 Welcome
Paul Black, Systems Engineering Manager, Northern Powergrid

15:05 Smart hammer + Thor hammer
With industry focused firmly on Net Zero, we’re seeing increased demand on the electricity network. While we drive forward innovation, decarbonisation and modernisation around that increased demand, maintaining the stability and security of supply is still our number one priority – and that includes maintaining the health of our assets. Join the SP Energy Networks and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks teams and their partners to hear more about two complimentary innovative projects developing devices that enable consistent and accurate measurement and assessment of wood pole asset conditions at varying stages of our asset inspection processes.
Kevin Dennis, Innovation Project Manager, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
Greg Shirley, Innovation Engineer, SP Energy Networks

15:25 Centralock

Access to network assets is a critical activity for networks - both ensuring that the right people have appropriate access at the right place and time, ensuring those who should not have access are kept out.

Sean Middleton, Operational Security Manager, Northern Powergrid

Robert Todd, Director Centralock, Northern Powergrid

Gary Brannighan, Project Liaison, Northern Powergrid

15:40 Assessing wearable technology applications for transmission operation and design
This project assessed wearable technology with augmented reality (AR) for our operations. HoloLens2 is wearable technology featuring an AR lens that operates via wireless communication. Team members can wear the lens from home or the substation to interact with contextual data and show others what they’re seeing – equipment, objects and documents. Remote users can also remotely assist and convey information, instructions and guides to colleagues at work on site in real time.
Simon Orr, Senior Product Development Engineer, National Grid Electricity Transmission

15:55 LiCase

Find out how National Grid Electricity Transmission started a range of R&D projects to investigate the performance of silicone oil insulation fluids in use for Cable Sealing Ends (CSE) to:

• Improve the ability manage the assets, and
• Manage the risk they pose to the network over their lifetime.

LiCaSE was tasked with improving our understanding of the chemical interactions and ageing mechanisms that the oil undergoes during its life within a CSE.                                   

Siyu Gao, Innovation Engineer, National Grid UK

Dr Thomas Andritsch, Associate Professor, Dr George Callender, Lecturer in Electric Power Engineering, and Prof. Richard C D Brown, Professor of Organic Chemistry, University of Southampton

16:10 Wrap-up

Paul Black, Systems Engineering Manager, Northern Powergrid

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15:00 Customer Led Distribution System                              

• How does a DNO deliver DSO functions and investment that support its own service for customers as well as wider system benefits – where are these drivers complementary or conflicting?
• Learning to inform whole system optimisation for a net zero energy system.
• The project method is a combination of literature review, modelling and laboratory demonstrations.

Jim Cardwell, Head of Policy Development, Northern Powergrid

15:15 Microresilience – Technology for improved resilience for vulnerable parts of the network.                                           Andrew Webster, Innovation Project Manager, Northern Powergrid

15:30 Boston Spa Project (BEET). Mark Callum, Technical lead, Northern Powergrid Francis Shillitoe, Electric engineer, Northern Powergrid 

15:45  Innovation Benefits – a composite presentation looking back at the real benefits that some recently completed innovation projects and how they have been implemented within our and other DNO’s businesses. 

Iain Miller, Head of Innovation, Northern Powergrid

16:00 wrap up

Iain Miller, Head of Innovation, Northern Powergrid

15:00 Welcome
Matt Hindle, Head of Net Zero, Wales & West Utilities

15:05 Decarbonising the Southampton Water Industrial Cluster
SGN and Green Investment Group’s Southampton Water Feasibility Study, carried out by WSP, has explored the decarbonisation of the Southampton Water Industrial Cluster using hydrogen and CCUS technologies. This project ultimately aims to stimulate a hydrogen economy in the Southern LDZ, in line with SGN's decarbonisation roadmap.
Alastair Scott, Energy Futures Project Officer, SGN

15:20 Leading a green recovery: HyNet North West 
HyNet North West will play a critical role in the world’s fight against climate change, accelerating the UK’s transition to ‘net zero’ greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The project will realise the potential of the hydrogen economy through the creation of state-of-the-art infrastructure, providing a safe transition to a decarbonised world.
Senior Representative, Cadent 

15:35 South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC): proving the viability of decarbonisation at scale
SWIC is an ambitious programme to cluster major industrial operations in South Wales, applying hydrogen, biomethane, carbon capture and low carbon power generation to move toward a net zero economy. Project Manager Henry James will talk through:

• How the cluster works
• Overview of Cluster Plan and Deployment projects
• The feasibility studies which are laying foundations for the gas network of the future
• How the SWIC will support the wider needs of domestic heat, flexible generation, and transport
• Next steps, and what we hope to achieve through the project

Henry James, Net Zero Project Manager – Industrial Clusters, Wales & West Utilities

15:50 NGGT’s industrial decarbonisation projects
Deblending Feasibility Phase
This project aims at furthering the understanding and research relating to gas separation on a gas network level by looking into the customers who are likely to be affected, the assets required to perform deblending, future and innovative solutions and an in-depth analysis of how the market frameworks currently in place are likely to change. Additionally, it will further the design of a demonstration deblending facility at FutureGrid.
Hydrogen fuel gas for compression
The transition to hydrogen blends within the National Transmission System could require SGT-A20 Gas Turbines (GTs) powering compression to run on varying fuel blends of hydrogen and methane. This project will undertake a feasibility study on an example compressor station that will examine the safety, environmental, technical, operational and economic issues in blending hydrogen/methane for combustion in a GT driving National Transmission System compression. The project will determine how to establish an innovative green hydrogen production, storage and supply facility to fuel the SGT-A20 GTs on varying blends of hydrogen.
Dave Hardman, Innovation Analyst Gas Transmission, Suki Ferris, Development Lead for Strategy and Performance, and Steve Johnstone, Senior Innovation Specialist, National Grid Gas Transmission

16:05 Panel
Gas networks’ role in the joining up of green industrial hubs

• UK cluster funding: how does this tie into the hydrogen agenda?
• Opportunities for gas networks to stimulate innovation and connections in support of industrial customers
• How can we join up green industrial hubs in a holistic way?

Moderator:
Matt Hindle, Head of Net Zero, Wales & West Utilities
Speakers include:
Sally Brewis, Head of Regional Development – East and London, Cadent 
David Jukes, Programme Development Director, Costain
Greg Dodd, Head of Strategic Planning, Northern Gas Networks
Alastair Scott, Energy Futures Project Officer, SGN

16:25 Wrap-up
Matt Hindle, Head of Net Zero, Wales & West Utilities

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15:00 Welcome
Chair: Simon Roberts OBE, Chief Executive, Centre for Sustainable Energy

15:05 Keeping people safe, warm and independent in their home
Anyone can be vulnerable if their circumstances change. Rather than using labels, we should focus on individual needs and what we can do to ensure customers stay safe, warm, connected and independent in their home.
Find out about how Cadent is achieving this through three flagship projects:

• No Power Hot Water: exploring alternative ways to supply hot water during gas outages
• EasyAssist Emergency Control Valve (ECV) – remote actuation: supporting customers with mobility and limb weakness challenges in the event of a gas emergency
• Retro-fit no sounding alarm: a more inclusive way to alert customers to a gas/carbon monoxide escape

Jo Giles, Customer Safeguarding Manager, Cadent 

15:20 StreetScore: supporting customers on the pathway to net zero
In preparation for a net zero gas network, utilities will be replacing metal pipes at a rate of around 4,000km a year, so street works will remain a common feature of communities in the lead-up to 2035. StreetScore is a set of risk impact assessment tools and innovative onsite solutions that aims to reduce the risk, inconvenience and disruption to customers’ lives, especially the more vulnerable people in our society. Nigel will talk you through what was achieved during phase one of the project and plans for phase two.
Nigel Winnan, Customer and Social Obligations Strategy Manager, Wales & West Utilities

15:35 Innovating on social sustainability

It’s vital that we address the needs of all of our customers and make sure that our services are inclusive and fair for all. It’s also critical that no one is left behind as the UK transitions to a Net Zero energy system driven by technological revolution. Join this presentation to learn more about UK Power Networks’ initiatives to make green energy accessible to all. You’ll hear latest insights from Socially Green: a detailed research project that is assessing the needs of our current and future customers who may be disadvantaged or in vulnerable circumstances.
Dr Giulia Privitera, Social Sustainability Strategy and Programme Manager, UK Power Networks

15:50 Q&A panel

Moderator:
Simon Roberts OBE, Chief Executive, Centre for Sustainable Energy
Panellists:
Romina Arefin, Innovation Engineer, UK Power Networks
Nigel Winnan, Customer and Social Obligations Strategy Manager, Wales & West Utilities
Dr Giulia Privitera, Social Sustainability Strategy and Programme Manager, UK Power Networks
Jo Giles, Customer Safeguarding Manager, Cadent 

16:25 Wrap-up
Simon Roberts OBE, Chief Executive, Centre for Sustainable Energy

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14:15 Welcome 
James Yu, Future Networks Manager, SP Energy Networks

14:20 DC Share: Exploring the benefits of DC connections and meshed networks

• Initial concept
• Customer value proposition
• Network design philosophy
• Progress to date
• Learning to date on infrastructure, network design and the customer proposition

Paul Morris, Innovation Engineer, Western Power Distribution

14:35 LV engine: smart transformers
LV Engine is deploying a novel smart transformer onto UK distribution networks. This presentation will share the journey of the detailed design of the smart transformer and progress of the trial sites for the project.
Dr Ali Kazerooni, LV Engine Technical Lead, SP Energy Networks
Michael Eves, LV Engine Technical Lead, SP Energy Networks

14:50 Active Response: unlocking electric vehicles with power electronics
Join project lead Luca Grella for detailed insights on the £18.3 million Network Innovation Competition project. 2021 is the year of live installations for Active Response; which is trailing a responsive, automated electricity network that reconfigures itself to unlock capacity for electric vehicles. Luca will take you through some of the project’s key takeaways, including its use of state-of-the-art software and power electronic devices.
Luca Grella, Innovation Project Lead, UK Power Networks

Network resilience for the energy systems transition

15:05 System Stability
Djaved Rostom, Power Systems Engineer and Jonathan Barcroft, Data Scientist – ESO Lab, National Grid ESO

15:20 Wrap-up
James Yu, Future Networks Manager, SP Energy Networks

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14:15 Welcome
Dr Thomas Koller, Programme Lead, Gas Goes Green, Energy Networks Association

14:20 Gas Goes Green programme and plans for the coming year
As Gas Goes Green enters its third year, ENA and its member companies will be continuing to take forward the work necessary to deliver on the pathway to a net zero GHG emissions gas network. Our focus for 2022 will be on completing the engineering, policy and regulatory planning and preparation required for network trials and conversion of the network to hydrogen, as well as on changes to the gas grid connection process that will pave the way for more biomethane to be injected. In this session you can hear about the latest plans for the collaborative work that will be launched next year.
Dr Thomas Koller, Programme Lead, Gas Goes Green, Energy Networks Association

14:30 H100 Fife: delivering 100% hydrogen to customers
H100 Fife is seeking to deliver a ‘first of a kind’ demonstration of a 100% hydrogen network, initially supplying 300 domestic customers in Fife. This NIC project will comprise of an end-to-end system, to include power generation, hydrogen production, storage, pressure reduction, odorisation, distribution and customer connections to serve domestic hydrogen meters and appliances. H100 Fife will construct a new PE hydrogen network to run in parallel to the existing natural gas network. This is a key feature of the project that offers the opportunity for customers to opt-in and be connected to the hydrogen network or remain with their existing natural gas supply. By promoting and maintaining customer choice, critical information on customer attitudes and interest towards hydrogen can be measured, providing evidence on public acceptance of hydrogen.
Lorna Archer, Project Manager, Energy Futures, SGN

14:50 H21 phase 2
Phase 2 of the H21 project will be taking the work from Phase 1 a step further, investigating whether the day-to-day procedures that we undertake on the gas network can still be undertaken safely in order to allow us to maintain a safe network that is run on 100% hydrogen.
David Tomkins, H21 System Modeller, Northern Gas Networks

15:00 Panel
How networks are delivering the 10 Point Plan and what should our priorities be in 2022?
Moderator:
Dr Thomas Koller, Programme Lead, Gas Goes Green, Energy Networks Association
Panellists include:
Dr Angela Needle, Director of Strategy, Cadent 
Corinna Jones, Hydrogen Innovation Manager, National Grid Gas Transmission
Sarah Williams, Director of Regulation and Asset Strategy, Wales & West Utilities

15:40 Wrap-up
Dr Thomas Koller, Programme Lead, Gas Goes Green, Energy Networks Association

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14:15 Welcome
Simon Roberts OBE, Chief Executive, Centre for Sustainable Energy

14:20 DoorStop
The DoorStop project aims to help prevent doorstep fraud attempts by providing all customers with an instant method to verify a visitor’s identity without needing to register themselves or have any prior knowledge other than simply the service exists.
DoorStop verifies the identity of doorstep visitors using the customer’s smart device. The verification is available through a normal standard web page accessed via the customer’s smart device and does not require the customer to download any apps or new software. The system uses a standard web form which makes it available on virtually any device with a browser and an internet connection, including very old devices.
Steve Dacre, Vulnerability Innovations Lead, Northern Gas Networks

14:35 VENICE: ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to net zero
What has been the impact of the global pandemic on our network and what it will mean in the future? How can we target our most vulnerable customers and help them in the energy transition? Project Venice will develop models for predicting the impact of the pandemic on the network. We will be looking at developing profiles for predicting customer vulnerability using advanced machine learning techniques. We will be looking at what methods and techniques can be used to engage communities in the net zero challenge and then trialling some new innovative business models, including different tariffs. Stuart Fowler, Innovation Engineer, Western Power Distribution

14:50 Greener gas at a fairer price: Future Billing Methodology
As we transition to a network that transports low carbon gases such as hydrogen and biomethane, we need to develop a way of recognising the wider energy range of the gas we supply. The Future Billing Methodology project is exploring ways to attribute energy values that are reflective of the gas supplied at a local level. This will remove the cost of enriching biomethane to standardise energy content and enable hydrogen to be blended into the network, while ensuring consumers are billed in a fair and equitable way.
David Chalmers, Future Billing Methodology Project Manager, Cadent 

15:05 Panel
Ensuring no consumer is left behind in RIIO-2

• Avoiding long-term negative impacts on consumers during the energy transition
• Regional fairness: sharing the impact of investment in decarbonisation of the energy system
• Making low carbon infrastructure accessible to disabled consumers
• Collaborating with charities and interest groups to improve inclusivity

Moderator:
Simon Roberts OBE, Chief Executive, Centre for Sustainable Energy
Panellists:
Graham Footer, Chief Executive, Disabled Motoring UK
James Veaney, Head of RIIO-2 Policy, Ofgem
Stuart Fowler, Innovation Engineer, Western Power Distribution
Andy Manning, Principal Economic Regulation Specialist, Citizens Advice
Peter Smith, Director of Policy and Advocacy, National Energy Action
Jo Giles, Customer Safeguarding Manager, Cadent

15:40 Wrap-up
Simon Roberts OBE, Chief Executive, Centre for Sustainable Energy

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14:15 Flexibility and the DSO journey: celebrating five years of the Open Networks project
How has the project, and sector, evolved and progressed during this time?
Sotiris Georgiopoulos, Head of Smart Grid Development, UK Power Networks

14:25 Panel and Q&A

• How has the project, and sector, evolved over the past five years?
• How is the project working with broader energy transition policies and priorities?

Moderator: 
Sotiris Georgiopoulos, Head of Smart Grid Development, UK Power Networks
Speakers:
Louise van Rensburg, Head of DSO and Whole System Coordination, Ofgem
Julian Leslie, Head of Networks and Chief Engineer, National Grid ESO
Dr Caroline Sejer Damgaard, Researcher, Association of Decentralised Energy
Dörte Schneemann, Head of Markets for Flexibility, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

15:05 Fireside chat
Progress on delivering the transition in 2021 and what’s to come in 2022
An update from the leads of each area of focus on key achievements from the past year and priorities for 2022 encapsulating:

• Data and output
• Whole energy system transformation
• Flexibility and commercial evolution
• Delivering Distribution System Operation (DSO)
• Improving distribution connections for customers

Moderator:
Farina Farrier, Head of Open Networks, Energy Networks Association
Panellists:
Andrew Wainwright, Whole System Business Lead, National Grid ESO
Steve Atkins, DSO Transition Manager, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
Ian Povey, DSO Technology and Data Manager, Electricity North West
Jim Cardwell, Head of Policy Development, Northern Powergrid
Gerry Boyd, Acting Head of Whole Systems, SP Energy Networks

15:40 Wrap-up

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