The Science Museum Group’s Climate Talks series continues with a discussion about the backlog of energy projects waiting for connection dates well into the 2030s, and how to unblock hopes of a 100% renewable network within a decade.
A complex issue, the streamed conversations involve Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of industry trade body Energy UK, and Greg Jackson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Octopus Energy. Nick Winser CBE FREng, Chair of Energy Systems Catapult and the UK Government’s First Electricity Networks Commissioner also joins, with BBC Radio 4 and BBC1 journalist and presenter Samira Ahmed chairing.
Among other things, we hear about the combination of ‘excitement and terror’ being felt across the energy generation and distribution sectors, and an industry which ‘simply hasn’t kept up’ with technologies. Spokespeople explain the need to develop new approaches to pricing, work with communities and the public, and improving how these stakeholders are encouraged and invited to engage with the energy market. This includes the rollout of small scale, shared ownership power sources.
Skills shortages and the short supply of human resources in general, is another big issue being felt by energy developers, suppliers and investors. This forms another element of an hour-long analysis which asks about risks associated with the current backlog, from national and international climate goals to investment into Britain for the future.
Part of a wider series of Climate Talks, you can find more episodes here.
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Image: Matthew via Unsplash