Company Updates

SNS2020 - Smart Generation: The Transition to 2050

EEEGR’s SNS conference has a reputation for booking inciteful, high-calibre speakers that bring fresh perspectives, and SNS2020 promises to continue that trend as the conference moves online.

SNS2020 will be on the 16th and 17th of September this year using the SwapCard platform, a system that blends live streaming with audience response tools, virtual booths and the ability to setup one-to-ones with other delegates.

As ever, speakers tie to the theme of the conference, which this year centers on Smart Generation: the transition to 2050. As we decarbonise the industry, what steps are we taking in production, R&D, the supply chain and in infrastructure to meet this ambitious target?

Melanie Onn (RenewableUK), Alistair MacFarlane (Oil and Gas Authority), Tom Greatrex (Nuclear Industry Association) and Simon Markall (EnergyUK) appear on the panel: “A Cross Sector View of the Energy Transition”. The group discuss the impact of energy transition across the sector and the challenges and opportunities they face; from skills shortages to emerging innovative technologies.

17915On Day One, the speaking panel will be broadcast across two streams – one focused on Oil and Gas and the other on Renewable Energy.

Stuart Payne (OGA) and Myrtle Dawes (OGTC) ask “Will the Energy Transition be the opportunity for the oil and gas sector to bounce back from the low prices and the current economic downturn?” How is the industry diversifying amidst low oil prices and COVID-19 disruption and what experience can O&G bring to renewables?

Meanwhile in Renewable Energy, speakers from ORE Catapult and the Solar Trade Association discuss “The importance of renewables and the energy transition in the Green Recovery”. Can the green transition be used to kickstart economic growth post COVID-19? How will offshore wind, solar and other new technologies drive recovery?

Continuing the discussion is Martin Dronfield, the East of England’s Offshore Wind Cluster Champion, who hosts a session highlighting the regions’ leading position in offshore wind and showcasing the local expertise.

Luke Wainwright (National Grid ESO) and our own Simon Gray (EEEGR) discuss “Offshore Wind Grid Integration”. Game-changing projects in the East of England are continually delayed in response to issues with cable landfalls, routes and substation plans. Many are calling for an offshore ring main – but is this really the answer?

On Day Two, David Wright (National Grid) delivers a keynote opening on “Energy Systems: Future integration to support the energy transition & potential solutions”. As we add wind, solar and hydrogen in the transition to 2050, the panel discusses grid integration of these assets and improving flexibility of systems designed for non-variable sources.

Two streams run concurrently on day two, a Hydrogen stream and a Supply Chain and Skills Energy stream.

In Hydrogen, Jonathan Rowe (HyNet) and Carlo Procaccini (OGA) kick off the discussion “Hydrogen and its role in the energy transition.” Hydrogen could decarbonise transport, industry and manufacturing whilst increasing system resilience with energy storage. How can this technology be integrated into existing systems and what skills will the workforce need to accommodate this new technology?

Tony Green (National Grid Gas) and Julia Pyke (EDF) join Chair Jonathan Reynolds (Hydrogen East) to discuss the East of England’s untapped potential in hydrogen production.

Moving into practical application, speakers from Neptune report on a pilot scheme, PosHYdon in the Dutch sector of the North Sea to transform a redundant O&G asset into a platform for green hydrogen production.

Over in the Supply Chain and Skills Energy Stream, Eilidh Campbell (SPR), Sue Falch-Lovesey (Vattenfall), join speakers from ECITB and OPITO to discuss “Building the Net Zero Energy Workforce”. Over 30 years, 400,000 jobs in the energy sector will be needed to meet the 2050 target. They explore how the future workforce will be developed, the skills required and how industry must respond to this challenge.

This is followed by Stuart Rimmer, the CEO of East Coast College who addresses the role of education in developing the workforce of the future.

Operators and developers have space on day two to give project updates, and we start with Ross Ovens (SPR) giving an update on EAHub. Rob Anderson (Vattenfall) will consider “Consent, Challenge and Collaboration: Competition for CfD and beyond.” What next for Vattenfall’s Norfolk projects?

Simon Gray, CEO of EEEGR is enthusiastic about the conference line up: “We’ve secured some incredible speakers that represent a diverse range of views and specialisms. Moving online really opens the floor to a broader range of speakers, and we promise some thought-provoking discussions about the future of energy in our region and beyond. The transition to 2050 is transformative for our industry, bringing a mix of challenges and opportunities. Our speakers will give delegates a deep and broad understanding of the topics, helping them confront those challenges head-on and capitalise on the opportunities it brings.”

A complete schedule of speakers will be published on our website, EEEGR.com as well as our LinkedIn page “Southern North Sea Conference & Exhibition”. SNS2020 runs virtually from the 16th to the 17th September 2020 on the SwapCard platform. For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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