Hydro Conference & Exhibition 2019 Programme

The Scottish Government has announced that it will set a new climate change target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045, following recommendations from the Committee on Climate Change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is clear that global temperature rises must be limited to 1.5C to prevent the worst effects of climate change. Ambitions across Scottish and UK Governments reflect the need for action, but these have been coupled with challenging policy and regulatory change for the hydro sector. This session brings together key players to discuss how to ensure the strengths of hydropower can be harnessed to meet our future ambitions.

Welcome and Chair
Claire Mack, Chief Executive, Scottish Renewables

Speakers
Hannah Smith, Senior Policy Manager, Scottish Renewables 
Sara Thiam, Regional Director, Institution of Civil Engineers
Ben Smith, Contracts Manager, Commercial, National Grid ESO 
Dr Edward McCarthy, Lecturer in Composites Design & Testing, The University of Edinburgh 

Q & A

With the Feed-in Tariff’s closure now confirmed, this session considers challenges and opportunities for hydro in a new operational landscape. Will the Smart Export Guarantee deliver for hydro, or could DSO service markets provide revenue opportunities? Is there scope for innovation, or will changes to grid charging threaten development? Is the future for hydro here in Scotland or should we be looking at international development opportunities? This session will explore these questions and more.

Chair
Hannah Smith, Senior Policy Manager, Scottish Renewables 

Speakers
Rob Forrest, CEO, GreenPower
Gregor Hogg, Consultant, Ricardo Energy & Environment
Roisin Mc Cormack, Project Coordinator and Business Development Manager, DesignPro Renewables
Nicola Percival, Policy & Regulations Manager, innogy Renewables

Q & A 

The past 12 months have been an exciting time for the pumped hydro storage sector, with high profile deals changing key players in the field. This session brings together the sector’s leading figures to discuss their vision for the future of pumped storage, and what’s required to fully capitalise on its benefits.

Chair
Hannah Smith, Senior Policy Manager, Scottish Renewables

Panellists
Steve Marshall, Development Project Manager, Drax Generation Enterprise Ltd  
Mark Wilson, Chief Executive, Intelligent Land Investments
Tom Pendrey, Project Manager, Buccleuch
Sean Kelly, Project Manager, Generation Development, SSE

Q & A

With much change afoot across local energy systems, this session asks how hydro fits into our smart, local energy future and how local energy business models can be made to stack up. 

Join this session to consider whether the Scottish Government’s Local Energy Policy Statement will set the scene for a landscape where hydro can flourish?  Learn if new planning policy will enable development? And hear if the dawn of EVs offer new business opportunities for small-scale hydro schemes?

Chair
Morag Watson, Director of Policy, Scottish Renewables  

Speakers
Logan Black, Renewable Energy Consultant, Locogen 
​James Buchan, Energy Systems Specialist, Local Energy Scotland
Kenny Taylor, Policy & Advice – Sustainable Development, Scottish Natural Heritage
Catherine Falconer, Major Connections Manager, Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks

Q & A

Closing remarks
Morag Watson, Director of Policy, Scottish Renewables