As the UK Government targets 70GW of solar production by 2035, industry leaders will come together at the Planning for Solar Infrastructure 2024 conference on 11 January 2024, to explore the challenges facing solar projects and practical ways to gain planning consent.
The event, hosted by leading national law firm BDB Pitmans in London, will provide an opportunity for key stakeholders in solar infrastructure to share ideas in a growth area for the energy sector.
With solar production rising over the last decade, it’s vital that projects adequately navigate current requirements to achieve planning consent and meet the UK Government’s solar production target by 2035.
The conference will provide practical advice on effectively planning for solar projects, including insight on conducting a successful community engagement strategy, co-locating projects and managing biodiversity net gain.
A keynote speaker at this year’s event will be Tim Warham, Senior Policy Advisor at the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, who will outline the latest policy developments and how policy supports new solar projects.
There will also be other notable representatives from a range of top solar developers. James Innes, Director for UK Project Development and Business at Peridot Solar, and Andrew Mott, Head of Planning and Environment at Exagen Group, will lead a panel discussion on successfully collaborating with solar project stakeholders.
Ross Wolhuter, Head of UK Development/Construction Lead at Eden Renewables, will explore ways to improve consultation and community engagement for solar infrastructure projects.
A number of other leading solar infrastructure experts in the industry will also debate:
- How to successfully deliver your biodiversity net gain strategy.
- How solar can support the transition to net zero by 2030 and future energy security.
- Planning and delivering an effective project design strategy for solar projects.
- Planning routes and requirements for solar projects.
- How to successfully co-locate solar projects and shared grid connection corridors.
Richard Marsh, Partner at BDB Pitmans, who are hosting the event, said: “The Planning for Solar Infrastructure conference provides an excellent opportunity for key players in the solar energy sector to come together, share ideas, and discuss innovative solutions to address some of the most pressing challenges currently facing the industry.
“It’s a critical time for the sector as we look to develop policy and effective planning that will prioritise energy security and support the UK’s transition to possess a sustainable, decarbonised energy system, with renewables at its heart.
“There will be plenty of opportunities throughout the day for delegates to network with key stakeholders in the solar sector. We look forward to welcoming attendees to BDB Pitmans’ London office for what will be an informative and interactive day”
The event is being organised by Waterfront Conference Company. Waterfront delivers policy conferences for the planning, energy, rail, ports and maritime sectors.
For more information and to register for the Planning for Solar Infrastructure 2024, visit the event website https://waterfront.eventscase.com/EN/solar2024 or for other Waterfront events, visit https://www.waterfrontconferencecompany.com/.