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NETWORK / 16 / OCTOBER 2018 E xperts from across the energy sector will be attending LCNI, including those who showcase the latest electric - ity and gas network innovation projects and technology crucial in supporting the sector's transi- tion to a low carbon energy future. The conference programme provides networking opportuni - ties as well as project focused presentations and workshops that explore significant research and findings and inform the industry on planning the way towards a secure, sustainable and affordable smart grid. It brings together in one place all the UK's gas and electricity network companies, Government, regulators and the key industry spokespeople from across the country to provide attendees with a unique op - portunity to engage and shape electricity and gas network innovation. Along with all the energy networks, contributors this year include senior representatives of the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Ofgem, Energy Systems Cata - pult, Imperial College, Newcas- tle University and Strathclyde University. LCNI is organised annually by the Energy Networks As - sociation (ENA), on behalf of the UK electricity and gas network operators, and with coopera- tion of headline sponsors and conference supporters. In its eighth year, LCNI will be returning to Telford - the "birth- place of industry" - with support of headline sponsor Cadent. Last year more than 1,100 at- tendees attended the event. Programme outline The general theme of this year's conference is looking at how innovation and taking a whole- system approach would be the best and most affordable way of decarbonising the networks. The conference consists of plenary sessions, breakouts and workshops, and an exhibition over the two days. Opening the conference at the plenary, the ENA has secured a high-quality selection of speakers from the UK and across the world, each being able to bring their extensive experience and expertise to the debate. Speakers at the plenary include: l Jonathan Brearley, senior partner networks, Ofgem l Chris Train, chief executive, Cadent Gas l Andrew Dillon, chief execu- tive, Energy Networks Asso- ciation Australia l Paul Fidler, director of operations, Energy Networks Association l Julia Hamm, CEO, SEPA l Mike Muldoon, head of busi- ness development & market- ing, Alstom Trains. The breakout sessions are bro- ken down into the key areas of gas, electricity and cross-vector working. Attendees will have the chance to find out more about the electricity and gas networks' current innovation projects. They will be covering crucial issues such as the future of gas and decarbonising heat, increasing flexibility services and markets, improving cus - Bringing the sector together The Low Carbon Networks & Innovation Conference (LCNI) is the largest electricity and gas smart grid conference in the UK and brings together leading stakeholders from across energy innovation. Network, which is acting as a media partner for the event, takes a look at what to expect. LCNI PREVIEW