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NETWORK / 9 / OCTOBER 2019 David Smith, chief executive of the Energy Networks Association, explains why this year's LCNI is a must-attend conference. We need to be relentless in our focus on innovation to deliver net-zero, and reap the benefits that it can deliver for the public. No one does that better than private enterprise. The lessons we have learnt from connecting record amounts of renewable energy are vital to applying the new technologies we need to reach the net-zero target. The right approach to innovation to take advantage of smart new energy technologies is key to that. Private enterprise is key to delivering innovation and taking advantage of new technologies to deliver a more capable grid. As a result of the approach and investment made by network companies, we now have some of the most resilient and innovative networks in the world. The decarbonised energy future is as much local as it is national. Our cities, towns and communities need to be on the front-line of fighting climate change. Major challenges include further decarbonisation, digitalisation and decentralisation. As new products and new services are picked up by consumers it is vital that the energy networks are able to respond in ways that deliver value and place the public, and especially those who may be vulnerable, at the heart of their thinking. Redesigning the way our grids work will enable us to connect even more renewable energy projects, more quickly than ever. We are enabling new, local energy markets that use the latest smart energy technologies in homes and businesses to allow us to make our grids more capable – the electricity network companies have already committed to a "flexibility first" approach. The Energy Networks Association and our members have been taking important steps to facilitate these changes. Firstly, we have just launched the Call for Ideas for the Network Innovation Competition (NIC). Up to £90m of investment is available for Britain's leading energy innovators. Successful applicants will work with network companies to compete for up to £20 million of funding available for gas network projects and up to £70m for electricity network projects. Cross-vector projects can potentially access funding from both pots. The annual competition is designed to support a range of large scale energy innovation projects in communities across the country. Run by Ofgem, network companies and their partners will compete for funding for the development and demonstration of new energy technologies that will help run energy network infrastructure in a smarter, cleaner and more flexible way. The Call closes on 8 November and we would encourage interested applicants to find out more on ENA's website. That is also why, for the UK's largest smart grid conference, Low Carbon Network Innovation Conference 2019, our theme is empowering new energy innovators. As innovation in energy is moving so quickly, this is the best place for stakeholders from the world of energy and beyond to come together to share ideas, best practice and also find out more about the NIC Call for Ideas. LCNI 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 opportunity to engage and shape electricity and gas network innovation. Taking place in Glasgow and sponsored by SP Energy Networks, we are delighted to have a stellar range of speakers including Scotland's Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse MSP. This year's LCNI is, therefore, a must-attend conference for anyone with an interest in the future of our networks. Britain's energy network companies are playing a leading role in helping reach our net-zero target, by connecting greater levels of renewable energy whilst providing the new infrastructure we need to cut our carbon emissions in new areas, such as heat and transport. To achieve these goals, we need to build on the strengths of a system that is based on private investment, a focus on innovation and to ensure that our country takes the smartest and fairest approach to delivering decarbonisation. Empowering innovation to joining everyone at the 2019 LCNI Confer- ence." David Smith, chief executive of the Energy Networks Association, added: "The LCNI is the largest smart grid conference in the UK and this year promises to be better than ever. We have one of the most reliable networks in the world and we are recognised globally for our pioneering work on developing a smarter grid. We are active across the UK and we make sure that communities, households and businesses benefit from our activity. This event is a must-attend conference for anyone with an interest in that." Frank Mitchell, chief executive of SP En - ergy Networks, commented: "I'm delighted that SP Energy Networks is sponsoring the LCNI Conference which brings together leading stakeholders from across energy innovation. Energy network operators have a fantastic record of supporting the low carbon transition and with the UK's net-zero targets there has never been a more impor - tant time for innovation in the industry. "SP Energy Networks is committed to ensuring our customers and the communi- ties we serve continue to benefit from both our technical and commercial innovation as we head to a zero carbon economy." For further information visit http://www.lcni- conference.org/