The event builds on the success of the Operational Forum, sharing industry and operational information and enabling broader discussions and debates on shaping the future of energy, combined strategic industry insights and National Gas operational updates. Chief Operating Officer, Matt Steele, discussed the vital role of our network in securing Britain’s energy today, and how our plans will accelerate the nation’s journey towards net zero by transitioning from natural gas to hydrogen.

He was joined in the discussion by external speakers Tom Hughes, Assistant Director, Energy at National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), Dr Eoin Devane, Team Leader – Carbon Budgets at the Climate Change Committee (CCC), and Rachel Siddell, Head of Hydrogen Networks Strategy at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

The focus then turned to National Gas operational updates, covering performance and activities on the National Transmission System (NTS) and the publication of our Gas Summer Outlook. There were presentations from National Gas colleagues Chris Thompson, Rachel Hinsley, Luke Benson, Craig James and Matthew Newman.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in person and online. This was just the start. The NGEF will become a regular space for open dialogue, shared challenges and collective progress.

The slide pack and recording from this first event are available on the NGEF page of our website, where you can also find out how to attend future events.

The next NGEF will be an online-only event on 12 June, followed by another hybrid event in London on 17 July. We hope to see you there.