Member Article

Shoosmiths brings together leading developers, asset managers and investors, as well as energy, planning, policy and legal experts, for a roundtable discussion on overcoming power supply challenges to support the delivery of innovative and resilient developments that balance financial and environmental objectives.

As power demands of commercial developments are increasing, so are the difficulties around meeting sustainability targets, connecting to the grid, and managing delivery timelines and costs.

Occupiers’ fit-out requirements are also becoming more sophisticated due to the increased adoption of advanced technologies such as electric vehicle charging points, robotics, and renewable energy systems. This surge in electricity demand is projected to double by 2050.

However, the UK’s aging infrastructure is already struggling to keep up, making it a significant risk for the real estate industry to secure sufficient energy supply.

So, how can developers and other stakeholders work together to overcome power supply challenges and support the delivery of innovative and resilient developments that balance financial and environmental objectives?

To explore this question and more, Shoosmiths hosted a roundtable bringing together leading developers, asset managers and investors, as well as energy, planning, policy and legal experts, to explore the current challenges, potential solutions and the future of energy provision.

Key topics covered in the first part of the discussion include:

• Grid access
• Delivery of competing requirements
• Impact on construction, delivery and costs
• Planning policy reform
• Supply chain

 

 

The second part of the discussion examines:

• Power allocation
• Capacity constraints
• Rooftop solar
• Investor value
• Collaborating on environmental, social and governance factors

 

Taking part in the discussion:

• Alan Somerville, ESG director at Tritax Group
• Angie Fenton, director at Quod
• Chris Hollis-Thompson, technical director at Matrix Group
• Edward Sargent, director of business development at EDF Renewables / Pivot Power
• Peter Henry, director of sustainability at Harworth Group plc
• Rob Wall, assistant director (sustainability) at BPF
• Chris Pritchett, energy & infrastructure partner at Shoosmiths
• James Needham, real estate partner and real estate development group co-head at Shoosmiths
• Chair: Kellie Hatton, real estate partner and real estate development group co-head at Shoosmiths

All information correct at the time of filming.

 

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