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NETWORK / 15 / DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 "No one has a monopoly on the truth right now – it's through discussion, debate and dialogue at events like these that the answer will be found" Hydrogen in the mix Hydrogen will be on the agenda with a presentation from Ed- ward Syson, chief safety and strategy officer at Cadent Gas, on the logistics of setting up lo- calised hydrogen networks and a "whole systems" approach. Delegates will also hear from Tim Harwood, director of the H21 programme at Northern Gas Networks, and Joe Howe, execu - tive director of the Thornton Energy Research Institute, on the practical implications of a large-scale hydrogen switchover. Matt Hindle of the Energy Networks Association will discuss its "Gas Decarbonisation Path- ways Project", which set out the ENA's own routemap to net-zero heat decarbonisation. The conference will also see a focus on housing – domestic emissions from around 23 million homes contribute around 17 per cent to the UK's total. Social landlord Clarion Housing Group will present on large-scale retrofit programmes, and progress decar - bonisation in a policy vacuum. Speaker Richard Baker from investment house Iona Capital will discuss scaling up the pro - duction of biomethane in the UK, and what will happen when the government's Renewable Heat In- centive subsidies are withdrawn. Ground rules for 2020 February will either see the new government getting into its stride, or the a–er-effects of an indecisive election and a hung parliament. In either case, it is likely to be an optimum time to influence programmes, policy development and indeed hearts and minds. The conference is set to be an ideal opportunity to hold vital discussions on a key question. For more information or to book tickets, visit https://event.net- works.online/future/ or https:// event.networks.online/heat/ The Network Awards 2020 are getting close, but there is still time to submit or finalise your organisation's entry before the extended deadline of 16 December. The awards evening will take place on 17 March 2020 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, a chance to shine a spotlight on the innovative ideas and operational best practice that are making a difference across the UK's energy networks. This year, with a new category for Cross-Vector Project of the Year, the awards will also highlight projects where resources in heat, gas and electricity are linked together for wider benefit, or where network operators worked with their suppliers and stakeholders to jointly raise their game. Now in their second year after a successful debut in 2019, the Network Awards have 15 categories in total. These include Innovation Project of the Year in both the gas and electricity sectors, and awards for achievements in stakeholder engagement, health and safety and data management. This year also sees the introduction of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards come at a time where there are many challenges facing energy networks, with the countdown to a decarbonised 2050 taking place against a backdrop of political uncertainty and low levels of funding and investment. But Network regularly reports on striking success stories in the sector; the awards are a chance to give them their fair share of the limelight. For more information on the value of entering the awards, and what the judges are looking for, see our interviews with judging panel members Dr Sara Walker of Newcastle University (page 19) and John Parsons of BEAMA (page 33). With the deadline falling at the end of the year, the Network Awards 2020 are a chance to celebrate the successes of 2019, while the 17 March 2020 event will also prove an opportunity for the sector to celebrate its successes and gain inspiration for 2020. Visit the dedicated awards website at https://networkawards. co.uk/ to complete your organisation's submission or to book tickets. A chance to shine AWARDS 2020 N E T W O R K AWA R D S 2 0 2 0