Unveiled today (Jan 18), the incubator series is set to showcase emerging technologies, such as hydrogen, needed to decarbonise heat, transport and industry to support the UK’s transition to a net zero future.

The programme will be cantered around quarterly events, with the first set to be focused on the North Sea ‘supergid’ and how connections can be combined with hydrogen production.

David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK and Ireland’s energy network businesses, said, “As we act on climate change and begin to decarbonise new sectors it is imperative that we do so at minimal cost and disruption to the consumer.

“So far, much of what we’ve seen in the energy transition has been out of sight and out of mind for the consumer. Innovation is key to this, and the networks are stepping up to deliver it.”

Chairing Next for Net Zero will be Dr Barbara Vest OBE, a leading figure in UK energy policy for over a decade. An Executive Council member of the Parliamentary Group for Energy Studies, an Associate Fellow of the Durham Energy Institute and the founder of the Durham University Alumni Energy Chapter, Dr Vest brings a wealth of expertise to identify emerging areas of energy transition where innovation is delivering tangible change.

Dr. Vest, commented, “I started my career in the energy industry shortly after privatisation and the pace of innovation has only accelerated, year on year. It is a real pleasure to be chairing this new initiative where we’ll be answering the questions that are emerging as industry delivers on the government’s climate ambition”.