About this Event:

Flexibility is well understood to be key in a net zero system with batteries and other storage that can optimise supply and demand of energy. It can lead to deferral or avoidance of investments in the networks and generation. However, pressures to reach net zero by 2050 are forcing a closer look at its delivery and potential with both current technologies such as batteries and emerging sources such as hydrogen.

A new study from the Carbon Trust suggests a fully flexible energy system could cut the cost of reaching net zero by up to £16.7 billion a year in 2050.

This value is delivered by a portfolio of flexibility technologies including battery storage, thermal storage in homes and integrated with heat networks, interconnectors to Ireland and continental Europe and a range of demand-side response technologies across domestic, non-domestic and electric vehicle (EV) demands.

There are, however, various barriers to delivering flexibility, particularly around domestic and non-domestic demand-side response. In both cases, the main ones are stakeholder acceptance and willingness to pay with issues around technology such as smart meters and the benefits versus the risk.

Join us as we showcase businesses harnessing the value of flexibility and explore what the future smart grid will look like.

Agenda:

10:00 - 10:10 am - Introduction – NovAzure Consulting

10:10 - 10:20 am - Expert Overview

10:20 - 10:50 am - Business Showcase

10:50 - 11:20 am - Panel discussion and Q&A – led by NovAzure Consulting

11:20 - 11:30 am - Closing Comments – NovAzure Consulting

Confirmed speakers:

Jon Ferris, Head of Flexibility and Storage, Delta-EE

Nicole Gilbert, Marketing & Communications Manager, Pivot Power

Kevin McDonald, Senior Structurer, EDF

Ali Sisan, Senior Research Engineer, EDF Research & Development

Accelerating Net Zero programme:

In June 2019, the UK became the first major economy to pass a law to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. In April 2021, it went further by enshrining a new target into law to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.

Net zero means reducing human-caused greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and balancing out any remaining emissions from the atmosphere through planting trees or using technology like carbon capture and storage. With this new net zero target, all activities that generate carbon emissions must be examined.

Awareness of the causes and impacts of climate change is rising, and more action is being taken across society. However, 2050 is not as far away as it sounds, and we need to accelerate the engagement with people, communities and businesses in order to achieve the net zero carbon target.

The Accelerating Net Zero programme seeks to bring together those who are leading change and move our world forward together at IDEALondon. With the UK hosting the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow this year, we have a great opportunity to lead the conversation. We hope you can join us.