Midlands Energy Conference- 2026

- National Grid Steve Knight-Gregson, Head of External Affairs, Strategic Infrastructure, Electricity Transmission & Tom Byrne, Head of External Affairs at National Grid Electricity Distribution

National Grid Electricity Distribution – (i) maintaining a resilient local electricity network for customers and communities; and (ii) investing in the network to enable growth and electrification through the connection of new homes, businesses and low-carbon technologies

- National Energy Systems Operator (NESO) Meeting the future demands of business growth in the Midlands - Jenny Allen, RESP Regional Manager for the East Midlands

The government-owned energy system operator for Great Britain, responsible for balancing electricity supply and demand in real time and planning the future energy system - detailing their Regional Energy Strategic Plan (RESP) - ensuring the grid can meet the future demands of business growth in the Midlands.

-Nuclear Programme Update - Chris Pook, Vice President, Government Relations, Rolls-Royce plc

Rolls-Royce’s nuclear portfolio presents a significant opportunity to deliver affordable, clean energy while strengthening the UK’s energy independence and driving economic growth. Chris will provide an update on progress across the portfolio, alongside an overview of the opportunities it presents for the Midlands and beyond.

- Powering the Future with Energy Innovation – Pfr. Lucelia Rodrigues, Deputy Director, University of Nottingham Energy Institute - introducing student energy research case studies:

- Thermal management of electric vehicle batteries
- Next generation organic batteries for high-power applications
- Towards Near-Zero emissions Ammonia Combustion Engines for Future Heavy Transport and Power

- Trent Supercluster Overview – Edward Wright, Trent Supercluster Innovation and Growth Lead, East Midlands Combined County Authority - placing the East Midlands at the cutting edge of clean energy and innovation.