Network 2019

Professor of Electrical Power Systems, Xiao-Ping Zhang has been invited to chair the Flexible Network stream at Network 2019, a forum dedicated to shaping the future of the gas, electricity and heat networks.

Taking place today, (Tuesday 26 March) at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham, Network 2019 will combine the popular Future Networks and Flexible Networks conferences to bring over 250 delegates and 45 speakers together, including senior leaders and representatives from all major UK gas and electricity networks, Ofgem, BEIS, the CBI and Ovo Energy. Together these stakeholders will address existing challenges and explore opportunities arising within the sector.

The forum examines the future of the gas, electric and heat networks through three specialist content streams: future networks, flexible networks and the low carbon transformation of transport.

Professor Zhang will chair the Flexible Network stream which will explore; regulation and the changing energy system; maximising the effectiveness and efficiency of the gas network; transforming transmission through innovation and building resilience. The full agenda for Professor Zhang’s session can be found here. The high profile event will be followed by Network Awards 2019 ceremony

Speaking of his invitation to chair a stream at the conference Professor Zhang said: “I am delighted to chair the Flexible Network stream and celebrate the innovation and success of the UK’s distribution network operators, gas distribution networks, aggregators, energy suppliers, renewable generation developers, innovators and investors.”

"Decarbonizing the power sector by ramping up the adoption of renewable energy is essential to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The required acceleration of the global shift to low carbon can only be achieved through a combination of clean energy generation, smart grid technologies and energy grid interconnectivity, which will transform today’s energy networks into flexible energy networks. This event will debate on developing and deploying effective innovation, building the foundations for flexibility and developing energy system flexibility, which will play important roles in the transition. I will have the great pleasure to moderate the debate and discussions in this timely high profile energy event.”