Priorities for UK energy innovation and research -

funding, commercialisation and collaboration

7th March 2019 CONDITIONS FOR USE OF TRANSCRIPTS: This document is intended to provide a timely reference for interested parties who are unable to attend the event to which it refers. Some portions are based on transcripts of proceedings and others consist of text submitted by speakers or authors, and are clearly marked as such. As such, apart from where it is indicated that the text was supplied by the speaker, it has not been possible for the transcript to be checked by speakers and so this portion of the document does not represent a formal record of proceedings. Despite best endeavours by Westminster Forum Projects and its suppliers to ensure accuracy, text based on transcription may contain errors which could alter the intended meaning of any portion of the reported content. Anyone who intends to publicly use or refer to any text based on the transcript should make clear that speakers have not had the opportunity for any corrections, or check first with the speaker in question. If in doubt please contact the forum first.

Contents

About this Publication 3

Agenda 4

Key issues for energy innovation strategy: funding allocation and project commercialisation Matthew Billson, Head of Strategy - Energy Innovation Programme, BEIS (transcript) 6 Questions and comments from the floor (transcript) 11

Session Chair’s opening remarks Chi Onwurah MP, Shadow Minister for Industrial Strategy, Science & Innovation (transcript) 12

Developments in technology, challenges and bringing innovation to market

Combustion technologies - gas turbine efficiency, ramp-up speeds, and key developments going forward Roger Wells, Head of Future Technology, Siemens (transcript) 14

‘Delivering value for money with new nuclear projects’ Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, Nuclear Development Managing Director, EDF Energy (transcript) 16

Combined Heat and Power technology - challenges for industrial integration Robin Hardy, Projects Director, BasePower (transcript) 19

Priorities for continued commercialisation of renewable energy technologies Henry Dixon, Chairman, North Wales Tidal Energy (transcript) 22

‘Technical and commercial challenges of the development of batteries as an energy storage medium’ Neil Morris, Chief Executive Officer, The Faraday Institution (transcript) 25

Questions and comments from the floor (transcript) 27

Session Chair’s opening remarks Professor Ron Loveland, Energy Adviser, Welsh Government (transcript) 31

Supporting the drivers of innovation for future energy systems: smart technology, skills, and industry collaboration Emma Harrison, Head of Systems Integration, Energy Systems Catapult (transcript) 32

‘Accelerating the low-carbon transition: innovation in energy, electric vehicles and strategies across Europe’ Professor Benjamin Sovacool, Director, Centre on Innovation and Energy Demand and Professor of Energy Policy, University of Sussex (transcript) 34

Priorities for delivering network infrastructure Iliana Portugues, Head of Innovation, Electricity Transmission, National Grid (transcript) 38

Implementing innovation across supply chains - business leadership, partnerships and the future of energy markets Peter Bance, Chief Executive Officer, Origami Energy (transcript) 40

Finance and the development of energy technology and challenges for developing investor confidence Andrew Smith, Associate, Greenbackers Investment Capital (transcript) 43

Questions and comments from the floor (transcript) 46

Integrating research, evidence and scientific guidance into policy supporting energy innovation and technology Professor John Loughhead, Chief Scientific Adviser, BEIS (transcript) 50 Questions and comments from the floor (transcript) 55

Session Chair’s and Westminster Energy, Environment & Transport Forum closing remarks Professor Ron Loveland, Energy Adviser, Welsh Government (transcript) 58 Tom Wright, Senior Researcher, Westminster Energy, Environment & Transport Forum (transcript) 59

List of Delegates Registered for Seminar 60

Contributor Biographies 66

About the Core Sponsors of the Westminster Energy, Environment & Transport Forum 70

Please be advised that speakers’ PowerPoint presentations are included within the transcript itself, just beneath the relevant speaker’s text. Please note that not all speakers are able to grant permission for us to include their slides.