December 2021
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This conference examined policy priorities for developing gas networks in the UK, and takes place during a particularly difficult period for national gas supplies and security - with sessions looking at:
- the current challenges for UK access to gas resources, the policy, industry, infrastructure, and geopolitical variables that might be causing system-wide supply chain issues, meeting demand, and possible resolutions to the situation
- challenges and opportunities for the gas grid to transition to hydrogen and low-carbon energy sources
- next steps for modernising infrastructure and improving resilience
The discussion was a timely opportunity to consider the progress of the first year of RIIO-2 delivery. This included looking at its impact on gas supply and demand - particularly in the context of rising global demand and gas prices - as well as options for supporting the financial sustainability of network operators and wider issues for balancing network and consumer needs in the delivery of RIIO-2.
The conference took place in the context of key developments around decarbonisation and the Government’s ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Delegates discussed how this background dovetails with priorities for gas development in the UK and whether the current disruption in gas supply might affect the Government’s perspective on the speed and scope of gas decarbonisation and low-carbon transitions.
We were pleased to be able to include keynote contributions from:
- Dr Alexandra Howe, Head of Gas Security, Networks and Markets, Energy Security, BEIS - on policy priorities for gas network development
- Michael Wagner, Deputy Director, Gas Networks Price Controls, Ofgem - on delivering regulatory reform for operational and low-carbon improvements for UK gas networks
The discussion brought together stakeholders with key policy officials who attended from BEIS; the CCS; the CMA; Defra; DIT; DfT; the HSE; the Department for the Economy, NI; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
