Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/976659
WHOLE SYSTEM THINKING The Energy Networks Association (ENA) recently launched its electricity and gas network innovation strategies. Commenting on the launch, Huw Sullivan, chair of the ENA gas innovation and governance group, said: "Since funding for network innovation was • rst introduced, Great Britain's energy networks have developed a world leading reputation for innovation. Projects have the potential to develop a truly world-leading whole systems approach that brings the way our gas and electricity networks work more closely together. This will be crucial as we • nd new ways to meet the UK's carbon budgets, because if our power, heat, transport and waste sectors are all interdependent, then so must be the solutions to their decarbonisation." Collaboration between gas and electricity network operators and a 'whole systems' approach is o‰ en talked about in the industry, so it's good to see that the strategies have been developed and launched at the same time. You can read more about the strategies on page 10. When attending the Future Networks Conference last month, it was clear that the sector has started to make innovation become business as usual – something that Ofgem is keen to encourage. In this issue (page 12) Jonathan Chapman, UK managing director at Burns & McDonnell, makes the case for a whole system approach. He states: "By bringing together empowered customers, agile regulation, radical government policy and joined-up network owners, we can solve future problems, through a whole system approach." Achieving 'innovation as usual' will require continued collaboration and whole system thinking. NETWORK / 5 / MAY 2018 L E A D E R C O M M E N T C OMING SO ON ∙ Network charging ∙ Arup on energy systems ∙ Disrupting the energy landscape YOUR NET W ORK Give the people what they want Let us know what projects, technologies and topics you want us to cover. Have your say Express your opinions and respond to content by blogging or writing for the magazine. A social Network Follow us on Twitter: @Network_mag Email the editor: alecpeachey@fav-house.com Alec Peachey alecpeachey@fav-house.com collaboration and whole system thinking.