Ahead of the Adapting for Net Zero Conference, we asked our speakers a number of questions, here is what they had to say.
What can we expect from your contribution at the Adapting for Net Zero Conference 2021?
I’ll be sharing the very latest insight on our approach with fast growing programmes underway on both carbon reduction and climate resilience at United Utilities. We’re now acting far beyond the traditional focus on decarbonising our use of electricity.
What are the biggest challenges facing the industry at the moment in your opinion?
While we are making great advances on electricity, fleet and land emissions in the water sector, it is the emissions straight to atmosphere from our biological treatment processes that are a big challenge. We are working together across the sector to improve our understanding of these process emissions and how we can reduce them.
What innovations in the sector are you particularly excited about?
There are lots of innovations across United Utilities and the water sector. I’m particularly excited by our partnership project to test 3D printing of concrete on our sites, cutting cost and carbon as well as other benefits.
Why do you think that the Adapting for Net Zero Conference is an important meeting?
The Net Zero Conference will support the collaboration and momentum that are key enablers to delivering the bold and urgent carbon reduction that we need if we are to secure the stable climate on which essential water and wastewater services fundamentally rely.
What can we expect from your contribution at the Adapting for Net Zero Conference 2021?
I plan to talk about some of the energy innovation work I am involved with at BEIS, in particular on industrial decarbonization.
What are the biggest challenges facing the industry at the moment in your opinion?
There are many challenges facing industry at the moment, and it is tough to get away from the short term issues to plan for finance solutions for Net Zero.
What innovations in the sector are you particularly excited about?
I am excited about innovative energy efficiency and resource efficiency measures for industry. I think the first step we need to take is to reduce demand, before introducing fuel switching or carbon capture.
Why do you think that the Adapting for Net Zero Conference is an important meeting?
Net Zero is an industry, and society wide, challenge, so it is important for people from different organisations and sectors to get together and share ideas.
What can we expect from your contribution at the Adapting for Net Zero Conference 2021?
I’ll be sharing insights into how UK Power Networks is leading the way to transform our traditional role of keeping the lights on to delivering Net Zero through fast-paced, innovation as well as the importance of placing customers and communities at the heart of what we do. I am a true believer that collaboration is key. So, come along, join in the conversation and find out how we can all work together to ensure a low carbon future that works for everyone.
What are the biggest challenges facing the industry at the moment in your opinion?
As an industry we face a multitude of challenges now and in the future. Whether it is meeting the increasing demand on the electricity network that is predicted to rise significantly over the next 10 years, facilitating a fair and just transition to Net Zero by 2050 or continuously striving to provide cheaper, quicker connections for our customers, perhaps the biggest challenge is overcoming them all. No one challenge is the same, but all of them are equally important if we are to work together and achieve a Net Zero future.
What innovations in the sector are you particularly excited about?
What really excites me when I look at all the work going on in the energy sector, are the innovation projects that put customers and communities at their core. At UK Power Networks, we’ve successfully tested smart energy tariffs with major energy suppliers and as a result we’ve opened up new markets to make flexibility more accessible, so now even EV drivers can participate in our flexibility markets. We’re also working with partners such as, disability charity, Motability helping us understand the needs of all our customers and increase the accessibility of public charging points for EV drivers with disabilities. These solutions are vital in supporting our customers and fundamentally go above and beyond to make sure that even the most vulnerable in our society don’t get left behind as we transition to Net Zero.
Why do you think that the Adapting for Net Zero Conference is an important meeting?
Networks have a vital role to play in facilitating Net Zero, but there are many challenges we face in getting there. The Adapting for Net Zero Conference gives key players in the industry an opportunity to come together, collaborate and share knowledge. We must not underestimate the importance of having a platform to do so if we are to overcome those challenges, enable a fair and just transition to Net Zero and shape an energy network fit for the future.