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igem news

THE ROAD TO 2050

Dr Will Cavendish, Global Head of the sale of goods and services. gleaned from the network’s Real-Time
Digital Services at Arup, who spoke on Fans of Forumla One were pleased Networks project, including the data
the theme of a digitally-transformed to see Dr Peter Van Manen, of Frazer- collected from 1,200 gas meters in
infrastructure. From large scale Nash Consultancy, who shared how the South East of England. Richard
infrastructure to smart cities, the energy sector could emulate the Hynes-Cooper, Head of Innovation at
Professor Allan Mayo shared details of sport’s adoption of technology, allowing NGN, shared details of the company’s
the digital transformation taking place innovation to flourish while maintaining efforts to enhance its use of data and
in Greenwich. standards of safety and reliability. its digital capabilities. Finally, Grant
In a last minute change to the Sticking with the theme of learning Rogers, Asset Integrity Manager at
programme, Alan Newbold, Digital from other sectors, David Pugh, WWU, explained how his network has
Services Leader for Arup, kindly Manufacturing Partnerships Lead used data to transform its business,
stepped in to introduce the concept of the Digital Catapult, shared key from access to better quality business
of digital twins. Utilising real life learnings from other sectors that performance information, to using
examples of a digital airport and digital have already undergone digital data to manage assets.
bridge, Alan explored the importance transformation and explained the After a morning of aspirations,
of the feedback loop in enabling role of the Digital Catapult in bringing it was refreshing to see that
technologies to be adopted. together the manufacturers of the digital technology is already being
Shifting focus back to the gas sector latest innovations with those working incorporated into gas network
and consumers, Maxine Frerk, Director in industry. operations and exciting to see that the
of Grid Edge Policy, spoke of her work Rob Graham, CEO of QEM Solutions, digital transformation has begun.
with Sustainability First and the Centre sought to clarify what blockchain is As always, IGEM would like to
for Sustainable Energy on public and how it can be used to improve data thank the sponsors of this conference,
interest uses for smart meter data security within the energy sector. National Grid and SGN, and each
and how these can be balanced with For the final session of the day, of the individuals who shared their
customers’ legitimate privacy concerns. we returned to familiar ground with knowledge and experience with
If that wasn’t enough food for updates from SGN, Northern Gas delegates, delivering an interesting and
thought, following a delicious lunch Networks (NGN) and Wales & West varied programme of presentations.
delegates heard from Angus Paxton, Utilities (WWU) on their respective
Principal at Poyry Management digital projects taking place within Details of our Annual Conference,
Consulting, on decarbonising electricity, gas distribution. Blueprint for the Future: From vision to
shifting patterns of consumer Alex Webb, Innovation Project reality, are now live. Book your place at
behaviour and alternative models for Manager at SGN, presented insights bit.ly/IGEMac19

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