Episode 1 - Powering the UK
In our inaugural episode, Powering the UK, we delve into the future of the UK's energy landscape with expert insights from two of Imperial College London's top energy researchers. This episode tackles the big question: Will the UK meet its ambitious goal of achieving a zero-carbon grid by 2030, five years earlier than the current 2035 target? We explore the challenges, opportunities, and key factors shaping the UK's clean energy transition.
Episode Overview
The discussion focuses on:
- The current state of the UK's energy mix and its trajectory towards the 2050 Net Zero Target.
- 2035 vs. 2030 grid decarbonisation goals: Are we on track, and what needs to happen to meet these ambitious targets?
- The electrification of homes: How can heat pumps and other technologies accelerate residential decarbonisation?
- The role of nuclear energy and its potential in creating green jobs for the UK
Meet Our Guests
Dr. Aidan Rhodes
A Research Fellow at Imperial College London and Energy Policy Briefing Papers Fellow at Energy Futures Lab, Dr. Rhodes specialises in energy policy, including smart energy systems, digitalisation, and national energy innovation. His work aims to provide accessible, expert briefings for policymakers and energy stakeholders.
- Connect with Aidan on LinkedIn
- View Aidan's profile at Imperial College London
- Explore Energy Futures Lab Reports
Dr. Nadine Moustafa
A Research Associate at Imperial's Chemical Engineering Department and the Centre for Environmental Policy, Dr. Moustafa is an expert in systems modelling for carbon management and decarbonisation technologies. She also serves as a Program and Policy Officer at the Coalition for Negative Emissions, working to advance policies for negative emission technologies.
Host: Jonny Prest
Jonny Prest, Communications Manager at Energy Futures Lab, leads the conversation on the key topics of energy, decarbonisation, and innovation in the UK's path to a sustainable future.
Related Resources
To deepen your understanding of the topics discussed in this episode, explore the following resources:
- The Future of Nuclear Power in the UK: Challenges and Opportunities
- Delivering Our Future Power System
- Accelerating the Transition to Heat Pumps
- Committee on Climate Change 2024 Forecast
- UK Government Net Zero Strategy
- Green Energy Bill Announcement
- National Grid Live Data Feed
- Closing of the UK's Last Coal Plant
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