The future planning of the energy system and Orkney’s place in it
Recorded live on Tuesday, 20th May at 7pm in the King Street Halls, this special OREF event features Fergus Tickell from the National Energy System Operator (NESO) discussing how the UK is planning its future energy system.
Formed by the new Labour Government, NESO is tasked with overseeing the integrated planning of both electricity and gas networks—breaking down the traditional silos between them. Its mission is to help the nation reach net zero, with responsibilities including the annual Future Energy Scenarios and developing clear pathways to decarbonisation.
In this talk, Fergus outlines NESO’s role, current initiatives, and how regions like Orkney can engage with and contribute to national planning efforts. This visit is part of NESO’s wider engagement tour, which included meetings with Orkney Islands Council, local businesses, and a visit to the Orbital Marine Power tidal turbine at EMEC’s test site in the Fall of Warness.
Neil Kermode, joint Chair of OREF, highlights the importance of this engagement: “This is a chance to show off what we’ve achieved and discuss how Orkney can further contribute to a greener future.”