As we near the end of 2025, it seems fitting to take a brief look back over the past 12 months – FEN’s first full calendar year. As has been the case since Day One of FEN’s existence, our priority focus has been on supporting our membership, ensuring that the current and future role of the UK’s gas networks is understood, appreciated and embraced as we progress through the energy transition.
Below, I’ve set out the ten top moments from 2025 which, to me, capture how FEN and our members have helped shape the discussion around an energy transition with a whole systems approach at its heart.
1. PGES Winter Warmer Reception
Our year began with an unforgettable event: bringing together policymakers, industry figures and stakeholders at the PGES Winter Warmer event in Parliament. Our CEO, James Earl, introduced both FEN and a new report commissioned by WWU, highlighting how the UK’s world-class gas networks can support accelerated decarbonisation in the 2030s. The packed room, enlightened conversation and tangible energy set the tone for the start of an incredibly important year.
2. Launching the Green Gas Taskforce
In the spring, we helped launch the Green Gas Taskforce (GGT), a coalition that brings together leading biomethane producers and key industry associations. Our members have long championed green gases as part of a practical, credible pathway to clean energy. The Taskforce isn’t about rhetoric; it’s about building the evidence base for how biomethane and other renewable gases can heat homes, power businesses and support a resilient system.
3. Giving evidence to the Treasury Select Committee
In June, James Earl appeared before the Treasury Select Committee to give evidence on the newly established National Wealth Fund. During the session, he made the case for a truly whole-systems approach to the energy transition, one that embraces expanding electrification while recognising the role low-carbon gases will play alongside it. He argued that investment decisions must be coordinated and informed by what works for people, businesses and infrastructure alike.
4. Media spotlight on data centre connections
This year also brought national media attention on the ways data centres are increasingly turning to gas networks amid electricity grid bottlenecks. FEN-driven coverage in The Times, The Telegraph and other outlets has stimulated the discussion about the future of energy infrastructure and economic growth. These media stories have been rooted in facts and driven by insights from our members, illustrating how green gas can help to meet the challenge of ever-evolving energy demands.
5. Responding to key consultations
Throughout the year we responded to consultations from DESNZ, NESO and Ofgem, including on hydrogen blending, advocating for a rise from 2% to 5% in the transmission network, and on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, arguing for a role for hybrid heating systems as part of a broader decarbonisation strategy. This work is crucial to ensuring that national energy policy is grounded in operational and technical realities.
6. Spotlight on offshoring and emissions
A FEN-commissioned report – Evaluating offshored industries and emissions – hit the national headlines earlier this year. This trailblazing analysis showed that a significant proportion of the UK’s reported industrial emissions reductions is attributable to moving production overseas rather than cutting emissions at home. This work has sparked important conversations with policymakers and stakeholders about how to support UK-based industry through the energy transition. Find out more here.
7. Welcoming FEN’s new associate members
In September, we were delighted to announce that Evolve, Gas Networks Ireland, Kinecx Energy, Mutual Energy and Phoenix Energy, who collectively transport energy across Northern Ireland, have become FEN’s first associate members. This expansion in FEN’s membership underscores the determination of gas networks across the UK to deliver a smooth transition to the energy systems of tomorrow while effectively managing the networks of today.
8. Amplifying members’ voices at industry events
Speaking engagements play an important role in how we represent our members and make the case for a whole systems approach to the energy transition. From FEN’s Head of Policy, Erica Brown chairing panels and speaking at key industry conferences, to Senior Analyst Julia Komar presenting on biomethane scale-up, and James Earl's engagements on the future role of gas and green growth, each event has been about showcasing the work of our members now and into the future.
9. Volunteering with the Oasis Waterloo Community Fridge
A real highlight for the FEN team was spending a day volunteering at the Oasis Waterloo Community Fridge, based in Lambeth, South London. Collecting excess food from local suppliers such as Borough Market, GAIL’s and Pret A Manger, the Community Fridge aims to reduce waste whilst providing sustainable and low-cost food to local residents who struggle to afford it.
10. Capturing Innovation across the networks
Last month, we published the Annual Innovation Summary, capturing nearly £13 million of investment by Britain’s gas networks across 48 projects. From Cadent’s digital platforms for leakage analytics to National Gas’s hydrogen pipeline trials and WWU’s smart pressure control for biomethane capacity, these efforts reflect our members’ commitment to finding practical, real-world solutions that support resilience, decarbonisation and customer outcomes.
Looking ahead to 2026
As we look to 2026, FEN’s focus remains the same: to ensure that the voices of our members are heard, that policy is informed by evidence and real-world experience, and, crucially, that our world class gas infrastructure is harnessed as we progress to Net Zero and beyond.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to FEN’s work in 2025. I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together in 2026.