We are thrilled to share that we recently hosted our event, ‘Our Collective Role in Powering a Sustainable Energy Future’, gathering our key industry partners for a truly memorable day. This event built on last year’s discussions, from the changes we’re seeing across our energy system to the ways organisations can take control and ownership within the energy transition, with the aim of inspiring positive action.

This year’s event coincided with our 10-year anniversary as a business, and we were proud to use this opportunity to help influence change within our industry and affirm our purpose – to have a positive impact on businesses, communities and the planet. As our industry evolves, we know how important it is to encourage a collaborative, engaged approach to the energy transition. By bringing people together to share knowledge and learn from each other, we hope to help further equip organisations to navigate this rapidly changing energy landscape and take advantage of the opportunities within this.

In our two sessions and panel discussions from the day, we heard seven experts from across the energy industry share their insights – you can find some of their discussion points below:

In our first session of the day, our three speakers provided overviews of the evolving energy landscape, and what still needs to be accomplished to meet the UK’s climate commitments and ensure a secure, resilient and reliable energy system for all.

• Shauna Dubler, Senior Public Affairs Manager at Energy UK, provided an overview of the UK’s 2030 targets and the progress that has already been made towards them, the political uncertainty that could impact the energy industry in the future, and policies that could address some of the key challenges.
• Emily Leadbetter, Head of Energy Insights and Analysis at National Energy System Operator (NESO), shared insights from NESO’s Future Energy Scenarios (FES) and summarised the necessary actions for the UK to achieve an energy system fit for the future. This encompassed investment in grid infrastructure upgrades, energy efficiency, the growing importance of flexibility, and the critical role of decarbonising various industries (such as transport and heat).
• Kevin O’Donovan, Senior Vice President at Statkraft and Managing Director of Statkraft UK and Ireland, examined the importance of renewable energy within the UK’s evolving electricity system and looked at the various moving parts that are required at pace to support the development of renewables, including regulatory support, grid stability, and technologies like Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

The second session’s speakers explored what the changes discussed in Session One might mean for organisations in the here and now, and how they can take control to maximise the opportunities the energy transition can offer. One consistent takeaway was that businesses have the opportunity to take control of different elements within their energy strategy, unlocking value whilst also supporting the energy system.

• Duncan Dale, Vice President Customers Facing Business of Statkraft UK and Ireland, highlighted the exciting opportunities the energy transition is unlocking for Industrial and Commercial (I&C) businesses. This included major opportunities to take control of electricity consumption and costs, whilst providing flexibility to the grid, through behind-the-meter optimisation of solar PV and BESS, as well as through electric vehicle (EV) fleets.
• Samuel Bird, Associate Director at Carbon Trust, explored some key considerations for businesses within the energy transition – across procurement, technologies, changes in carbon reporting, operations, risks and costs. Samuel emphasised the business-wide impact that energy now has on operations, with a cohesive, holistic approach necessary for successful business energy strategies.
• James Kerr, Engagement Lead at NESO Power Responsive, looked at the various flexibility schemes that are available for businesses to participate in, and the financial rewards these can offer, whilst supporting the grid by changing how and when they use electricity.
• Stephan Marty, CEO at Wattstor, shared the opportunities within on-site technologies, including BESS, solar PV, heat pumps, and electric vehicles (EVs). Stephan also explored the key considerations for businesses looking to install these technologies, and the value they can provide for organisations.

As well as insightful discussions from our speakers, we also wanted to bring fresh perspectives and levity to the day. We were delighted to welcome back climate comedian, Stuart Goldsmith, who entertained attendees with topical and thought-provoking humour surrounding climate change and how we can all take sustainable action as individuals. We also welcomed back Scriberia, who cleverly illustrated the day’s discussions and insights. You can see a glimpse of the day’s takeaways through the final art piece, below:

It was clear across the day that, although the future is as of yet uncertain, all of us – energy consultants, electricity suppliers, optimisers, technology installers, and consumers – can make a difference. Whether this is through supporting other businesses in their sustainability efforts, advocating for change at policy level, or through furthering our own sustainability journeys, it’s important to keep pushing forwards – adapting and pivoting when needed, to ensure that we unlock and maximise the numerous opportunities these changes can provide. 

Thank you to everyone who was a part of this inspiring and special day – and to everyone who has been part of our journey throughout the last decade. We hope that our attendees and speakers found the day as engaging and thought-provoking as we did. We will be releasing more content about our event in the future, and in the meantime, you can read more about the changing energy landscape and how you can get involved, here.