Aim of conference
This in person conference aims to discuss the role that energy innovation is playing in achieving Net-Zero and to discuss the Energy Research Accelerator’s plans for the future. Throughout the day we will be focusing on our key themes including:
• Energy Generation and Systems
• Transport and Mobility
• Sustainability and People
• Decarbonising Industry
• Data and AI
• Skills for the Net-Zero transition
Programme
9.00am – 9.30am: Arrival and refreshments
9.30am: Introduction
9.50am: A race against time, the role and challenges of energy research and innovation in achieving Net-Zero: Prof Martin Freer, Director of the Energy Research Accelerator
10.20am: ERA’s national activities: Prof Chris Fogwill, Cranfield University
10.40: Panel discussion on National Energy Innovation Challenges with senior representatives from industry and academia, including:
- Rachel Fletcher, Director of Regulation, Octopus Energy
- David Wright, Director of Electricity Transmission, National Grid
- Tom Greatrex, CEO, Nuclear Industries Association
- Dennis Hayter, MD, Intelligent Energy
11.30am: Regional Energy Developments and Opportunities: Faye McAnulla, Programme Director ERA
11.50am: Panel discussion on Midlands energy opportunities with senior leaders from the public and private sector:
- Ian Cuddington, Director of Economic Development, Rolls-Royce
- Kelly Manders, Regional Development Manager, Cadent
- David Horsfall, Director, Tyseley Energy Park
- Katie Greenhalgh, Green Growth Lead, East Midlands Freeport
12.50pm – Lunch and Networking
Lunch break to include Early Career Researcher Posters and presentations
Optional tours of Cranfield energy facilities
2.10pm: Breakout groups, exploring collaborative ideas in several ERA research themes
- Energy and the Built Environment
- Transport and Mobility
- Decarbonising Industry
- Data and AI
- Skills
Each group to focus on one of ERA’s themes and developing one or two ‘Big Ideas’ for industry and universities to work together on.
3.10pm: Groups to feedback to the conference on their ideas
3.30pm: Summary of day and next steps: Prof Martin Freer
3.50pm: CLOSE