• How does UK renewables compare to alternative asset classes (digital infrastructure, private equity, fixed income, bonds)?
• Are global asset managers and institutional investors still bullish on UK renewables post-2024 policy shifts, or has the rising cost of capital changed their risk appetite?
• How does hydrogen, solar, wind, energy storage stack up against each other as competing asset classes?
• What return expectations are investors setting for renewable energy portfolios, and how are these evolving?
• Do global asset managers and large institutional investors see opportunities to invest in UK grid and interconnectors

Charting the key steps for delivering the UK’s renewable energy ambitions, from unlocking investment opportunities to creating an enabling policy environment.

• Exploring the transformative impact of the newly created National Energy System Operator (NESO) and how reforms to the Connections queue are streamlining processes and removing barriers to growth
• Detailing Ofgem’s approach to developing and overseeing the regulatory regimes essential for critical infrastructure expansion, including offshore transmission owners (OFTOs), onshore transmission network, grid infrastructure development and long duration energy storage solutions (LDES)
• Ofgem’s view on what is needed today to ensure the path to net zero remains competitive, fosters innovation, generate economic growth and delivers the best possible outcomes for customers

In 2023/24 alone, NESO received over 1,700 applications to connect to the national electricity transmission system, leaving more projects already in the queue than are required for the energy system in 2030 – or even 2050. With applications temporarily paused to expedite the delivery of critical connection reforms, this discussion will unpack the timelines, scope and impact of this new strategic framework.

• How will the shift to ‘first ready, first connected’ affect the timeline for connecting new renewable energy projects to the grid?
• What is the true scale of ‘zombie’ projects clogging the queue?
• How will the reforms enable and encourage more rapid investment, helping to build out the grid and associated infrastructure at pace?

With the UK targeting 100% clean power by 2030, hydrogen is key to balancing the grid, decarbonizing power, and ensuring energy security. This panel explores hydrogen’s integration into the power sector, its role in replacing natural gas, and the regulatory, funding, and infrastructure updates shaping large-scale deployment.

• How does the Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard impact Green Hydrogen projects?
• What are the implications of NESO’s connection reform program on project timelines and costs?
• How will DESNZ assess the market for future Hydrogen Allocation Rounds (HAR), and what can developers expect?
• What strategies can mitigate grid bottlenecks and optimize energy procurement for hydrogen production?
• How can hydrogen help stabilize the grid alongside renewables and act as seasonal energy storage?
• What is needed to make hydrogen-to-power commercially viable?
• What support mechanisms are essential to accelerate deployment by 2030?

• How are real-time data and continuous monitoring transforming safety and operational protocols in hydrogen facilities?
• What KPIs should operators prioritize to optimize production efficiency and mitigate risk?
• How can data subscription and digital services reduce upfront costs and drive operational flexibility?
• What are the main cost drivers across the hydrogen lifecycle, and how can companies leverage government incentives and innovative financing?
• How can standardization in measurement and sensor technologies create a more adaptive and interoperable hydrogen value chain?
• What material and technological breakthroughs (e.g., electrolyser improvements) are needed to accelerate deployment and cost parity?
• How can collaboration between tech providers, operators, and regulators improve both resilience and safety?

• How does a hydrogen cluster save you money?
• What types of hydrogen offtakers make the most strategic and scalable sense in aviation-linked clusters?
• What unique advantages ports and airports offer as hydrogen offtake anchors and infrastructure hubs?
• How should you structure agreements between multiple offtakers and maintain supply-demand balance across varied users?

Project Union, led by National Gas, is a groundbreaking initiative that will repurpose parts of the UK’s 5,000-mile National Transmission System (NTS) and construct new pipelines to create a 1,500-mile hydrogen ‘backbone’. This hydrogen network will connect industrial clusters, hydrogen production hubs, and storage sites, supporting the decarbonisation of power generation, industry, and transport while enhancing energy security and positioning the UK as a global hydrogen leader.

This panel will explore how Project Union will enable a low-cost, scalable route to net zero, drive investment in the hydrogen economy, and ensure the UK remains competitive in the global energy transition.

• How Project Union will convert and expand the UK’s gas transmission system to transport 100% hydrogen?
• How will the backbone connect to European hydrogen networks and LNG terminals for global hydrogen trade?
• What is the role of repurposing assets, avoiding asset stranding, and minimising environmental impacts?
• How will Project Union supports the UK’s first large-scale hydrogen conversion, affecting up to 39,000 businesses by 2032?
• What is needed from government and regulators to accelerate development and secure funding?

• What revenue stacking approaches are available?
• How can asset owners balance long-term offtake agreements with the need for flexibility in business models?
• What are the most significant variances from initial projections regarding CAPEX and OPEX, and how to manage the costs whilst maintaining project viability?
• What approach should applicants take to project development when submitting HAR applications and what to look for in future rounds?
• What potential offtakers show the strongest commercial potential, and how is this influencing project design and scaling decisions?
• What are the most critical risk factors when managing green hydrogen projects, and how are these considerations are shaping interactions with investors and financial partners?

This session will begin with quick-fire presentations from each capital provider on the financing, investment and or acquisition opportunities they’re currently seeking. Capital providers have been selected to cover a range of asset classes such as wind, solar and hydrogen as well as a range of transactions sizes.

Capital providers will then host their own roundtable where delegates can attend to discuss business 1-2-1.

Whether you’re capital raising, seeking project finance, looking to sell projects and portfolios, this will be the best opportunity at the summit for delegates to identify and network with active dealmakers across the UK renewables energy scene.

As the day’s discussions end, unwind and indulge in an evening of relaxed networking at the Clean Power 2030 Drinks Reception.

Whether you’re looking to deepen existing relationships or spark new collaborations, the Solar Media Team invite you to mingle with peers and future partners in an informal and convivial environment in the heart of London.

If you are interested in sponsoring this networking opportunity, please contact the event’s sponsorship lead: Daniele Moreschi

• How should we redesign our energy systems to use surplus renewable energy for hydrogen production?
• What key factors should developers consider for green hydrogen site selection, and which locations offer the best potential for successful offtake agreements?
• How can developers create a good relationship with the public and local authorities to combat potential public opposition?
• What additional risk-sharing models can accelerate the private sector investment in hydrogen infrastructure?

• Which European regions show the most promising growth trajectories for green hydrogen infrastructure development?
• Which European countries are currently leading in short-term green hydrogen deployment, and what factors contribute to their success?
• Which technological approaches appear most scalable and economically viable for European conditions?
• Insights on the performance of currently operational green hydrogen sites in Europe

• What strategies can hydrogen developers employ to optimize electricity procurement costs, considering the energy-intensive nature of electrolysis production?
• How can developers strategically design co-location strategies that maximize the synergies between renewable energy generation and hydrogen production facilities?
• How can co-location help mitigate transmission losses and reduce grid congestion?
• How can hydrogen projects effectively balance renewable energy intermittency while maintaining consistent production capabilities?

As the global shipping industry confronts mounting pressure to decarbonise, hydrogen and its derivatives such as ammonia and methanol are emerging as essential solutions for long-haul maritime transport. This panel will explore how hydrogen is being integrated into port infrastructure and shipping operations, the role of government-backed strategies, and the commercial viability of hydrogen-powered vessels. Join leaders from ports, maritime technology providers, and shipping operators to unpack the real-world progress and what’s still needed to scale impact.

• How are ports preparing to become hydrogen hubs, and what public-private funding models are gaining traction?
• How are ports adapting infrastructure to accommodate hydrogen fuel and bunkering, and what support is needed to accelerate deployment?
• What are the bankability challenges for hydrogen-powered vessels and port-side hydrogen hubs?

Achieving economic competitiveness remains a critical challenge. This presentation explores policy support mechanisms and cost reduction initiatives, providing a roadmap for achieving cost parity with conventional alternatives.

• How effective are the Contracts for Difference (CfD) in reducing cost for hydrogen projects?
• How does supply chain, technology changes, and construction efficiencies influence CAPEX Optimization (with project applications)?
• What key OPEX strategies are needed to reduce the running costs of your project?

• What are the critical success factors for delivering a large-scale green hydrogen facility like Meld’s Saltend project within the UK’s regulatory and funding landscape?
• How can Saltend Chemicals Park’s existing industrial ecosystem accelerate the uptake and integration of green hydrogen in the Humber region?
• What role do partnerships, such as that between Meld Energy and World Fuel Services, play in scaling green hydrogen supply chains and achieving net zero targets?

• How can green hydrogen provide a route to market for green electrons that cannot reach the grid?
• What engineering solutions are enabling distributed hydrogen production at scale, and how can these be replicated across future UK projects?
• What are the opportunities and challenges for off-takers outside of the big industrial clusters?

• How is Hygen leveraging the UK Government’s HAR scheme to accelerate hydrogen infrastructure development and what challenges remain?
• What role do regional projects like Harper Lane, Tyseley, Bardon Hill, and Selms Muir play in building a national hydrogen economy?
• How does Hygen’s partnership model with Ryze Hydrogen and Wrightbus enhance the delivery and use of low-carbon hydrogen in transport and industry?

• What are the key challenges Lhyfe faces in scaling green hydrogen production in the UK, and how can government support mechanisms like HAR2 help overcome them?
• How do projects like Kemsley and Wallsend contribute to decarbonising industrial and transport sectors in their regions, and what impact could this have on the UK’s broader net zero goals?
• What lessons from Lhyfe’s European operations can be applied to accelerate green hydrogen deployment and infrastructure development across the UK?

• What revenue stacking approaches are available?
• How can asset owners balance long-term offtake agreements with the need for flexibility in business models?
• What are the most significant variances from initial projections regarding CAPEX and OPEX, and how to manage the costs whilst maintaining project viability?
• What approach should applicants take to project development when submitting HAR applications and what to look for in future rounds?
• What potential offtakers show the strongest commercial potential, and how is this influencing project design and scaling decisions?
• What are the most critical risk factors when managing green hydrogen projects, and how are these considerations are shaping interactions with investors and financial partners?

Europe’s hydrogen ambitions are strong, but how much of the announced capacity is translating into real-world deployment? This panel will analyse project pipeline data to assess actual production growth, regional investment trends, and the role of national hydrogen strategies in accelerating development.

• What does Europe’s hydrogen project pipeline tell us about real production capacity versus announced targets?
• What do investment trends reveal about the maturity of different markets and project scales across Europe?
• How are national hydrogen strategies and regulatory frameworks shaping project deployment rates?
• What common characteristics define successfully commissioned projects in Europe, and what lessons can be applied to new developments?

As the UK accelerates its renewable energy transition, a critical challenge threatens progress: the shortage of skilled professionals within the net zero sector. Recent reports indicate the UK may need up to 500,000 additional workers to meet net zero targets, with a current skills gap of approximately 200,000 workers in the green energy sector.