Experts call for faster grid connections for renewables at Bath conference

World-leading engineers and policy specialists will this week urge speedier grid connections for new renewables at the Supergen Energy Networks Hub Annual Conference, warning delays risk progress on net zero, green growth and the UK’s AI ambitions.

The call comes as the conference gathers electrical engineering and power networks experts from industry and academia across the UK, USA and Africa. Delegates are set to press for quicker hookups for wind, solar and other low-carbon projects, arguing that networks are pivotal to delivering national goals on decarbonisation, energy security and tackling fuel poverty.

A £9 million research hub

Backed by £9 million from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Supergen Energy Networks Hub is led by Professor Phil Taylor, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Bath and Director of the Hub.

Taylor commented, “The discourse around energy and climate change is often dominated by aspects of power generation such as wind power, solar power and nuclear but we often forget about the crucial role that energy networks play in integrating these technologies and moving energy from where it is generated to where it is needed, in a safe, low carbon and reliable way.

“This role has become increasingly complex as we make strides towards net zero. Energy networks not only allow us to make the transition to a low carbon economy but also drive green growth such as decarbonising industrial processes and connecting large data centres to enable the adoption of AI at scale. The Supergen Energy Networks Hub puts energy networks front and centre and works collaboratively with industry and policy makers to develop new techniques, technologies and policies to accelerate progress.”

The hub convenes collaborative teams from industry, academia, government and civil society to carry out interdisciplinary research aimed at enabling networks to underpin a rapid, safe and just transition to net zero.

Talks by UK and global experts

Speakers at this year’s event include:

• Phil Jones, Chief Executive, Northern Powergrid
• Regents Professor Anjan Bose, Washington State University
• Cathy McClay, Managing Director, National Grid Distribution System Operator
• Dr Adama Gassama-Jallow, University of The Gambia

The programme also spotlights future skills, with an early-career researcher session featuring Professor Phil Taylor and colleagues from Imperial College London, Newcastle University and the Universities of Bristol and Birmingham.

Professor Robin Preece, Deputy Director of the hub, based at the University of Manchester, added, “The conference provides a great opportunity for colleagues from all career stages, and across academia and industry, to connect and discuss their latest research, as well as showcasing the many interesting problems that we still need to tackle on our transition to a net zero energy system.”