Getting Connected:

Planning and Grid Access for New Energy Infrastructure

26^th April 2010, Bircham Dyson Bell, London

The delivery of new energy infrastructure becomes increasingly crucial with only a fraction of the huge investment in infrastructure needed by 2020 having been delivered. Ofgem’s Chief Executive recently warned of power shortages by 2015 unless changes are made to the framework in which energy companies operate.

The planning system is being prepared to deal with a stream of new energy projects. The draft energy National Policy Statements are currently being consulted on with questions being raised over the consultation procedures and whether the alternatives have been sufficiently explored.

Connecting new energy infrastructure to the grid presents a huge challenge for the ageing grid infrastructure much of which will require reinforcement. The outlying and in some cases offshore situation of many renewable schemes presents additional challenges for grid connection both in terms of costs and environmental impact.

This conference examines the challenges facing the delivery of new energy infrastructure, looking at current infrastructure investment commitments and focusing on how the planning and grid access processes are developing to cope with the necessary increase in energy projects. It provides an opportunity to understand and update on the grid access process and the planning requirements for new energy infrastructure.

The conference will cover the following:

• The energy capacity needed in the UK and the timeframe for action
• The challenges facing generators in delivering the new infrastructure
• Progress on the draft Energy National Policy Statements
• The role of local authorities in the consultation process
• Delivering electricity infrastructure in environmentally sensitive areas
• Meeting 2020 energy and emission reduction targets whilst protecting the UK’s landscape
• Engaging local communities with the National Policy Statements and the energy gap issue
• The grid access process and the queue system
• Developing a regulatory regime for offshore transmission
• The challenges of providing grid access to offshore developments

Confirmed Speakers Include:

Dr Keith MacLean Head of Policy and Public Affairs Scottish and Southern Energy

Peter North Head of Energy London Development Agency

Nicholas Brown Head of Private Wealth Bircham Dyson Bell

Philip Mind Senior Policy Consultant Local Government Association

Steve Knight-Gregson Principal Specialist Major Projects, Land and Development Group National Grid

Paul Miner Senior Planning Campaigner CPRE

Andrew Vaux Account Director Freshwater

Gaynor Hartnell CEO REA

Julian Leslie Electricity Customer Manager National Grid

John Constable Research Director REF

Chair: Lord O’Neill of Clackmannan

For further information and to register please visit:

https://www.eventsforce.net/gridaccess2010