Smart people, Smart event

Leading figures from the Smart Energy industry will be descending on Sophia Gardens in Cardiff tomorrow (Wednesday 4 July) for the annual Smart Energy Wales conference and exhibition.

Now in its fourth year, Smart Energy Wales, which is sponsored by Welsh Government, brings together experts and academics to showcase the latest thinking and discuss best practice in the emerging sector.

Lesley Griffiths, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, will be giving the keynote political speech in the smart storage and infrastructure session, which is sponsored by Wales & West Utilities.

With Ministerial appearances at each of the previous years, this event is firmly positioned in Wales’ energy calendar as a key opportunity to learn, network and do business. She will be joined in her session by speakers talking about energy storage, hydrogen’s role in the future of energy and plastic as a form of energy.

Other subjects to be discussed include using solar PV as the heart of the energy system, how to squeeze the last drop out of the grid and the Pylon Blockchain network. This year will also feature a ‘Spotlight on Smart’ session for exhibitors to talk about what they are doing in the smart energy sector.

As well as a conference programme, there is also an exhibition at Smart Energy Wales.  Exhibitors include:

• Welsh Government
• Smart Energy GB
• Wales & West Utilities
• Natural Resources Wales
• Ofgem
• YnNi Teg
• SOLIDPower
• FLEXIS

Dr David Clubb, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, which has organised the event, said:

When we started Smart Energy Wales four years ago, many of the things we talked about were concepts and aspirations.  Now we are talking about actual products and projects that are changing people’s lives. Welsh Government’s continued backing demonstrates a consistent awareness of the importance of the sector, and a firm commitment to helping Welsh households, businesses and communities reap the benefits of this fast-moving sector.

Lesley Griffiths, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, said:

It is great to see this event reach its fourth year.  The potential for smart energy to transform our future world is significant. As a government, we have committed to fully utilise smart and low carbon energy to develop a prosperous low carbon future. Smart energy offers significant business opportunities, social and economic benefits for people in Wales, as a vital element in delivering our low carbon ambitions.