UTILITY WEEK | MARCH 2021 |
5
KNOWLEDGE WORTH KEEPING
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Climate change puts
utilities centre stage
The threats posed by runaway climate change are now driving an unprec-
edented convergence of human ingenuity and resource as nations, industries,
companies, and individuals prepare to play their part in the campaign for a
more sustainable future.
In November 2021, this collective resolve will manifest at COP26 in Glasgow
– expected to be one of the most signi- cant international summits on climate
change to date – and as the host nation, the UK and its strategy for economy-
wide greening (including emissions reduction, smart energy systems and
preservation of biodiversity) will take centre stage.
UK utilities have a critical and urgent role to play in enabling this still-
developing strategy. Deep decarbonisation of our whole energy system and the
mobilisation of consumers as proactive agents in utility markets are essential
if the UK is to honour its legally binding commitment to delivering net zero
emissions by 2050.
Furthermore, as major (and growing) infrastructure owners, landown-
ers and energy consumers, utilities are keenly aware that they must rapidly
transform their approaches to investment and operations so they can minimise
their impact on the natural world and sustain legitimacy as stewards of the
environment.
To create maximum noise about the indispensable role utilities are playing
in the - ght against climate change – and highlight the strides being taken
to overcome barriers limiting their potential – Utility Week has launched its
Countdown to COP campaign.
From now until November, you can expect an extravaganza of analysis
features, leadership opinion, interviews and more exploring the many varied
challenges and – most importantly – opportunities that utilities are encounter-
ing on the road to net zero. From decarbonising heat and transport to reform-
ing regulatory duties and accommodating diversity in local decarbonisation
pathways, we'll have it covered.
And, as the jewel in the crown of the campaign, we will bring together
the best insights and examples of utilities leadership on climate action in a
landmark report to be presented to government – and the world – as COP26
takes place.
You can read more about the Countdown to COP campaign and its
ambitions on p10-13, or visit www.utilityweek.co.uk/category/countdown-to-
cop for all the latest content.
And on another ebullient note, massive congratulations to all the winners
of the Utility Week Awards 2020, revealed at our February virtual ceremony. All
the triumphant winners are listed on p16.
Jane Gray, content director, janegray@fav-house.com
Meet the Editorial Team
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e: jonikiforov@fav-house.com;
t: 01342 332077
Content director: Jane Gray,
e: janegray@fav-house.com,
t: 01342 333004
Digital editor:
James Wallin,
e: jameswallin@fav-house.com;
t: 01342 332015
Intelligence editor:
Denise Chevin, e: denisechevin@
fav-house.com;
t: 01342 332087
Energy editor:
Tom Grimwood,
e: tomgrimwood@fav-house.com;
t: t: 01342 332061
Reporter:
Adam John
e: adamjohn@fav-house.com;
t: 01342 332069
Water correspondent:
Ruth Williams,
e: ruthwilliams@fav-house.com,
t: 01342 332069
Policy correspondent:
David Blackman,
e: davidblackman@fav-house.com
Letter from the Editor
Jane Gray
MSA:
Cloud solutions to boost
hazardous gas monitoring
https://bit.ly/362Bwir
Fortinet:
Sponsored Technology
Securing ageing assets against
rising cyber threats
https://bit.ly/3dlhxxO
Vision:
How to fi x megaprojects (and all
capital projects that matter)
https://bit.ly/3qzY2Ha
