Low-Carbon Heat Conference 2019 Programme

A compelling case for the social, environmental and industrial benefits of low-carbon heat will be key to securing the public and political buy-in that we need.

With the rapid decarbonisation of the electricity grid and the falling costs of renewables bolstering the case for electric heat, are we in a stronger place to make that case?

What are the industrial opportunities for Scotland and the UK from the heat transition, and can the promise of cheaper, smarter heating be realised?

Chair
Claire Mack, Chief Executive, Scottish Renewables

Speakers
Richard Long, Business Development Director, Engie
Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, Glasgow City Council
Grant Clayton, Assistant Director (Property Services), West Whitlawburn Housing Co-operative

Q & A

Any plan to decarbonise heat will need plenty of input from those familiar with Scotland’s diverse urban, rural and social geography.

The Scottish Government is helping local authorities pilot an ambitious approach to local heat planning which, if done right, could provide the blueprint for low-carbon heat industries to flourish.

So how are these plans shaping up, what benefits might they provide and will they really work for the industry?

Chair
Fabrice Leveque, Senior Policy Manager, Scottish Renewables

Speakers
James Hemphill, Head of Heat Regulation, Scottish Government
Fiona Boyd, Sustainability Officer, The Highland Council
Roz Smith, Strategic Energy Coordinator, Stirling Council
Dr Graeme Hawker, Research Associate, University of Strathclyde

Panellists
Rufus Ford, Business Development Manager (Heat), Vattenfall
David Linsley-Hood, Consultancy Director, Locogen 

Q & A

In recent years hydrogen has loomed large in the heat debate. 2018 saw the publication of both a highly anticipated review of the fuel's potential by the Committee on Climate Change and a UK Government review of the available evidence.

With the CCC suggesting electric and hydrogen heat could be complementary, could both live side by side in the future? Could, and should, hydrogen save the gas grid?

Find out if the answers to heat policy’s most puzzling questions are any closer.

Chair
Sarah-Jane McArthur, Partner, Brodies LLP

Speaker
Ian Walker, Director, Element Energy

Panellists
Dave Pearson, Director, Star Renewable Energy
Jennifer Arran, Principle Analyst, Delta-ee
Mark Wheeldon, Hydrogen Program Manager, SGN
Andy Yuill, Senior Renewable Heat Manager, Natural Power

Q & A

Government policy has played a pivotal role in building up our low-carbon heat industries.

Both the UK and Scottish Governments have been busy looking at what levers they’ll need to pull over the next decade to draw low-carbon heat out of the slow lane.

Regulation looks likely to play a more prominent role, but  is it possible to transition from subsidy across our different sectors? And how can we make sure that the new business models, enabled by our ever smarter energy system, thrive in the new environment?

Chair
Kate Turner, Legal Director, Pinsent Masons

Speakers
Gareth Fenney, Head of Heat & Energy Efficiency, Scottish Government
Bruno Berardelli, Managing Director, HW Energy

Panellists
Jody Pittaway, Head of Project Development, SSE Enterprise Utilities
Marc Overson, Senior Product & Marketing Manager, Mitsubishi Electric
Paul Steen, Head of Department, Ramboll

Q & A

Closing remarks
Claire Mack, Chief Executive, Scottish Renewables