Winter Warmer 2024

IGEM successfully spearheaded a pivotal discussion on the future of energy at the inaugural Winter Warmer Reception, hosted by the Parliamentary Group for Energy Studies (PGES) at the House of Commons.

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Introduction from Ian Liddell-Grainger

Sitting Member of Parliament for Bridgwater and West Somerset, at time of event

Ian Liddell-Grainger, Member of Parliament for Bridgwater and West Somerset, highlights the sophistication of the UK's gas network, noting its critical role in daily life and its importance to national infrastructure.

See the below videos, which capture thoughts post Oliver's presentation. During Ian's, he emphasises the gas grid's potential to support hydrogen integration, which is vital for achieving net zero emissions.

He also highlights the necessity for the UK to develop its own energy sources, including wind, solar, nuclear and gas, to ensure energy security

He concludes by praising the energy sector and the collaborative approach, where he compares the sector to a "village", with professionals from various fields working together to maintain and innovate the grid system, to reach environmental targets and maintain stability.

Presentation from Oliver Lancaster

Chief Executive Officer at IGEM
 

Representing the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM), Oliver Lancaster discusses the importance of net zero and the need for collaborative action to mitigate emissions. He takes the audience on a historical journey, starting with the gas industry's beginnings in 1792 when William Murdoch first produced gas from coal.

Oliver presents IGEM's ground-breaking grid connections research, which was done in collaboration with the gas networks. The work shows how widespread the gas grid is, with 67,000 industrial connections and 527,000 commercial connections, including large end users like hospitals. He points out that the gas grid supports 308 power stations, providing significant capacity and flexibility in power generation. He then moves on to discuss biomethane's contribution to the gas grid, with 153 sites currently connected and more on the way.


Further insights from attendees

Dr Tony Balance

Chief Strategy & Regulation Officer
Cadent 

Jane Herbert

Energy Futures Communications Manager
Northern Gas Networks

Andy Prendergast

National Secretary
GMB, Private Sector Section

Kayte O'Neill

Chief Operating Officer
ESO

Mike Foster

Chief Executive
Energy and Utilities Alliance

Andrew Musgrave

Head of Engineering & Network Strategy
SGN

Steve Critchlow MSc FIGEM

Gas Incident Investigation
HSE Science Division

Howard Forster

Chief Operating Officer
Cadent

Matt Hindle

Head of Net Zero and Sustainability
Wales & West Utilities

Ian Liddell-Grainger

Member of Parliament for
Bridgwater and West Somerset

 

Dr Grant Wilson

Associate Professor
University of Birmingham

Sikander Mahmood IEng

Operational Transition Project Manager
Cadent


Supporting resources

Download the Winter Warmer handouts here
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