Agenda - Utility Week’s Clean Power Conference

NAVIGATING AN EFFECTIVE TRANSITION TO CLEAN POWER
9:15 AM																Keynote: achieving a streamlined, effective and just transition to clean power Creating a fairer clean power future for all Ambitions for industry as we transition to a clean energy future The steps to take now to make this a reality The role of digitalisation strategies Laura Sandys CBE, Chair, Green Alliance & Energy Digitalisation Taskforce
9:35 AM																Financing the clean power mission Enabling access to investment in green energy How can we better reduce upfront costs? Where are the current challenges and opportunities? Peter Knott, Chief Risk Officer, National Wealth Fund
9:45 AM																PANEL DISCUSSION: Overcoming funding and supply chain blockers to accelerate a just transition to clean power What are the key blockers to accelerating delivery of infrastructure projects, and how can we overcome them? Assessing the UK’s renewable energy supply chain landscape: what is the status of critical projects? Where are the blockers to releasing funding for new projects? How can we ensure greater clarity on where investors’ money is being used, and the returns? Simon Harrison, Clean Power Commissioner & Fellow, Mott MacDonald Peter Knott, Chief Risk Officer, National Wealth Fund Ana Musat, Executive Director of Policy and Engagement, Renewable UK
10:30 AM																Refreshments, networking and exhibition

STREAM A: OPTIMISING DESIGN AND PLANNING PROCESSES
11:00 AM																Strategic Spatial Energy Planning (SSEP): guidance and clarity for future development Creating a strategic blueprint for the UK’s energy infrastructure needs Aligning environmental, social and spatial interests The long-term goals of the scheme Julian Leslie, Strategic Energy Planning Director and Chief Engineer, NESO
11:20 AM																Balancing the economic trade-offs of certainty versus market competition in the SSEP Aligning the SSEP and grid connections: the developer’s perspective Ed Birkett, New Projects Director, Low Carbon
11:40 AM																Questions and answers
11:50 AM																Panel discussion: How can we better streamline processes beyond 2030? How should industry be navigating the path ahead in an uncertain policy landscape? How can we ensure that 2030 isn’t a stopping point but a runway to bigger change? How can we ensure socio-economic benefits for all? Addressing the interim period before benefits are realised Sol Anitua, Executive Director, Infrastructure & Energies, The Crown Estate Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive, Energy UK

STREAM B: CONNECTING ENERGY AND NATURE In collaboration with edie
11:00 AM																How can we ensure a just transition to clean power for nature? Minimising unintended consequences for the environment on the path to clean power Building a nature-positive future Marian Spain, Chief Executive, Natural England
11:20 AM																Net gain and net zero: balancing biodiversity in the built environment Uniting renewable energy targets and environmental goals The importance of stakeholder engagement to connect energy and nature Tony Ballance, Chief Strategy and Regulation Officer, Cadent
11:40 AM																Embracing natural capital: the value of nature in the energy transition How has Sizewell C included nature within its new infrastructure design and operations? How is Sizewell C using natural resources in a fair, sustainable and balanced way? Safeguarding natural capital through energy infrastructure development that is coordinated with conservation initiatives Connecting stakeholders to build investable, deliverable environmental projects Dr Steve Mannings, Head of Ecology, Sizewell C
12:00 PM																Questions and answers

STREAM A: ACCELERATING DEVELOPMENT AND CONNECTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES
1:30 PM																Equipping renewable generators: overcoming the grid connections queue and accelerating deployment Is this Contracts for Difference scheme still fit for purpose? Assessing the winners and losers of AR7: what does it mean for the UK’s clean power ambitions? To what extent is the grid connections queue holding us back in integrating new technology? How can we overcome this hurdle? How can we better align projects with strategic energy goals? How can networks work with developers to champion innovation? Johnny Gowdy, Director, Regen Alana Cairns, Transmission Customer Liaison Manager, SP Energy Networks Bill Rees, MD, Enso Energy
2:00 PM																Questions and answers
2:10 PM																Panel discussion: In which tech do we place our bets? In this session we explore the technology solutions available to decarbonise the energy system, and the role that each could play in a clean power future. We will also find out how the supply chain is prepared to handle the rapid development and deployment of new technologies. Yselkla Farmer, Chief Executive, BEAMA

STREAM B: ACHIEVING A JUST TRANSITION FOR COMMUNITIES In collaboration with edie
1:30 PM																Ensuring fairness and opportunity in the transition to a low-carbon energy system What does a just transition look like? Examining and implementing the recommendations from the University of Nottingham’s Net Zero Policy Commission How can community energy protect the grid and include all sections of society in the energy transition? How do we ensure everyone is heard to deliver a truly just transition? Lucelia Rodrigues, Chair in Sustainable and Resilient Cities, University of Nottingham
1:50 PM																Taking communities on the clean power journey: how can we ensure a just transition? Assessing the benefits of local energy projects to the community The role of data in ensuring fairness What strategies are being implemented by West Sussex County Council to protect vulnerable customers and communities? Daire Casey, Strategic Manager (Energy Services), Environment and Public Protection Directorate, West Sussex County Council
2:10 PM																Panel discussion: Bringing the public on the clean power journey Can Clean Power 2030 ambitions be met without further raising energy bills? Why 2030? Should we extend this to protect consumers against bill rises? What benefits can we bring forward to keep consumers engaged in the clean power mission? Are community benefit schemes working? The clean power mission: who loses out? Dr Rose Chard, Senior Advisor, Energy Systems Catapult Rachel Fletcher, Director of Regulation and Economics, Octopus Energy Thomas Day, Head of Energy and Low Carbon Programme, Essex County Council

TAKING ACTION TO ENHANCE FUTURE PLANNING & DELIVERY
3:30 PM																Interactive session: How can we achieve a streamlined, effective and just transition to clean power? In this interactive session, connect with your peers to forge the path to delivery of an effective and efficient energy transition that benefits society and nature. Share learnings from the day and build connections to enhance future planning.
4:00 PM																Taking action to future-proof the UK’s energy system Rebuilding communities through a domestic supply chain How can we effectively shift to local area-led energy solutions? Dr Nina Skorupska CBE, Non-Executive Director, GB Energy
4:20 PM																Closing keynote: Implementing effective planning to ensure fairness for communities and nature Considering the needs of all stakeholders in the energy transition What can we be doing better? Adopting sustainable planning practices to the next 20 years of the clean power mission Rosie Pearson, Chairman, Community Planning Alliance
4:40 PM																Chair’s closing remarks and end of the Utility Week Clean Power Conference 2026 James Wallin, Editor in Chief, Utility Week
4:45 PM																Networking drinks reception Dissect the day, continue the conversation and make new connections in an informal setting.