Innovation and Governance for Future Energy Systems

Conference Background

Energy systems in the UK and around the world are going through a period of fundamental change due to the emergence of new technologies, energy economics, business models and changing social preferences. Much of the momentum for change is closer to the demand side and at the local distribution level, where the opportunities for taking a whole systems approach across electricity, heat and transport are easier to identify and act upon. Such an approach to system transformation is based on the principles of creating a system which is smarter, flexible and more integrated, and that puts people at the centre. To enable this to happen in Great Britain a new approach to energy governance is required, based on new ideas, new institutions and new people.

This year’s IGov conference is to be held on International Women’s Day, and to celebrate the achievements of women in energy all speakers and chairs will be women in different stages of their careers across the energy spectrum – whether industry (conventional or grid-edge), academia, regulation, government (of whatever level) and communities and civil society. The conference format will consist of presentations and roundtable discussions with a maximum of 90 people discussing cutting-edge innovation and the governance issues for Future Energy Systems.

Event Report

The event report summaries some of the key insights from each session.

It can be downloaded here: FES 080318 event summary

Opening Plenary: Governance needs for innovation in the Future Energy System

Energy system innovators present their view on the key governance changes required.
Introduction: Professor Catherine Mitchell, Vidia Pallaram, Electron; Alice Tyler, Open Utility; Felicity Jones, Everoze; Jane Lucy, Labrador; Maria McKavanagh, Verv

Presentations:

Parallel Sessions

How to pay for networks in the future energy system
What are the building blocks of a sustainable, affordable, flexible energy system?
Katy Black, National Infrastructure Commission; Charlotte Ramsey, National Grid; Catherine Mitchell, University of Exeter. Janet Wood, New Power (chair)

Directing or Delegating the future energy system
What is the appropriate governance structure to achieve the CCC carbon budgets on time?
Cathryn Scott, Ofgem; Laura Sandys, Challenging Ideas; Sonia Brown, Visa Europe. Silke Goldberg, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP (chair)

Challenging Ideas – Laura Sandys

Accessing value in future energy systems
How should market design facilitate the development of local markets and open up other sources of revenue?
Nicola McCheyne, Centrica; Jo Gilbert, Smart Change Solutions; Poppy Maltby, Regen; Robyn Lucas, Open Energi. Helen Poulter, University of Exeter (chair)

What role for local governance in a flexible, distributed energy system?
How do roles and relationships need to change at the local level to enable a democratic, affordable and sustainable energy system?
Rachel Cary, Greater London Authority; Dawn Muspratt, OurPower; Lynne McDonald, UK Power Networks. Jess Britton, University of Exeter (chair)

Afternoon Plenary: What does this mean for the role of people and equity?

Alice Bell, 10:10; Elizabeth Errington, University of East Anglia; Afsheen Rashid, Community Energy England; Becky Willis; Meghna Tewari, Ofgem; Antonia Dickman, Ipsos MORI. Maxine Frerk (chair)