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NETWORK / 31 / JULY/AUGUST 2019 right balance between ensuring efficiency and affordability with delivering the necessary investment to improve services for consumers and drive further progress towards a low carbon, flexible energy system. It is in the regulator's gi to make this a reality in the next price control, and conversations are ongoing. Q What do networks and their supply chain need to do to respond to the Committee on Cli- mate Change's recent recommendations to move beyond an 80 per cent target and deliver net zero emissions by 2050? PJ: In many senses the work required to hit an 80 per cent or net zero target is very similar. The theme of decarbonisation will remain in place for both tar- gets. We are already construct- ing networks which will still be in service in 2050 so are already planning for increased use of our assets. The sharper focus may trigger a faster response in both the heating and trans- portation areas with, perhaps, heat pumps and electric vehicle deployment being accelerated. JC: Both the existing 80 per cent target and the net zero target require us to take the same evolutionary path from a distribution network operator to a distribution system operator. The stronger target will likely re - quire a faster pace of change in the 2020s with a ramping up of the switch to EVs, decisions and progress on heat decarbonisa- tion, and more renewable gen- eration coming on stream earlier than previously envisaged. GC: We need to be able to invest now, to allow us to facilitate growth opportunities rather than allowing infrastructure bottlenecks to hold back and strangle growth and to ensure smart cities can seize economic opportunities in the decades to come. We need to challenge the central governance ap - proach and look to decentralise this across GB, aligned with the aspiration of our cities and communities. We need to create decision-making authorities that can reflect local priorities. IB: The current thinking is that the move to a net zero carbon economy by 2050 will require the electrification of heat and transport. This will place signifi- cant pressure on an electricity network infrastructure which was originally designed for a to- tally different load profile. Addi- tional capacity can be achieved from existing network assets through a combination of apply- ing innovative technologies and the facilitating of future flexible connections. HB: We expect that demand for electricity will double by 2050, so it's critical that network compa- nies are planning for the future and supporting local economic development as the region transi- tions to a low carbon future. We ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN With so many changes taking place in the energy system no one has all the answers. This is clearly a very exciting time to be working in the industry – gone are the days of essentially maintaining the system and keeping it running. The changes we'll see in the next 10-20 years are mind boggling and will provide ample opportunities for innovation, new businesses and systems. Network has been putting a focus on the future through its Network of the Future campaign. This campaign sits alongside the wider Utility of the Future campaign as we look to find ways to tackle the big challenges facing networks and help them chart a course towards transformation. Working alongside our sister brands Utility Week and WWT, Network is running a year-long campaign which will work to rally networks and their supply chain around a col- lective view of the future which is both challenging and real- istic. The year-long programme of articles, research insights and more will come to life at Utility Week Live 2020, where we will gather contributors and key sector influencers. The campaign will gravitate around five big topic areas which are driving transformation across the electricity, gas and water sectors: l Climate change l Customers l Regulation l Technology l Skills & workforce While Network's content will retain a strong focus on the changes taking place across the nation's energy system, and examine industry-specific areas such as the decarbonisation of transport and digitalisation, Utility Week will take a lead on topics which require cross-sector thinking, such as address- ing skills gaps and leveraging key technology platforms. To help us shape the campaign, we are grateful for the sup- port of our expert advisory board. They will ensure we pose the right challenges to the status quo and the most thought- provoking 'what if?' scenarios. The board includes: PROFESSOR TONY CONWAY Director, Conway Strategic Water Consulting STEVE KAYE CEO, UKWIR DR KEITH MACLEAN OBE Director, Providence Policy PHILIP NEW CEO, Energy Systems Catapult DR JEFFREY HARDY Senior research fellow, Grantham Institute, Imperial College London PETER JONES Technical manager, Energy Research Partnership JOHN SCOTT Director, Chiltern Power Further strategically important inclusions on our advisory board are pending confirmation.