Energy Storage Summit 2025: Interactive Breakout Zone and Key Workshops on Industry Challenges

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2025 Breakout Zone – Energy Storage Summit 2025

Book Tickets

Dates:
– 24 – 25 February 2026: InterContinental London – The O2
– 17 – 19 February 2025: InterContinental London – The O2

Breakout Sessions

The 2025 summit will reintroduce the Breakout Zone, offering an interactive platform for delegates and speakers to collaborate during roundtables, working groups, and workshops. This format allows for in-depth discussions on specific topics, addressing key issues and challenges within the energy storage industry.

Agenda at a Glance

Day 1 | 18th February 2025

14:15 – 15:15
Breakout Session: Workshop
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – Fire Safety: Ensuring a Safe Future
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are crucial for the transition to renewable energy, providing effective storage solutions. However, increasing adoption raises concerns about long-term fire safety. This session, led by ZRS BESS specialists with extensive expertise, will cover:

• Thermal Runaway: Effective mitigation measures
• Fire Suppression Challenges: Selection and limitations of fixed fire protection systems for BESS
• Toxic Emissions: Hazardous gases from battery fires and their environmental impact
• Design and Installation Risks: Importance of proper system design and spacing
• Regulatory and Standards Gaps: Evolving fire safety standards and risk mitigation efforts

This presentation aims to foster long-term confidence in BESS, highlighting its role in a sustainable energy future. It’s ideal for investors, developers, EPCs, operators, engineers, and those involved in energy storage planning, deployment, or regulation.

Speakers:
– Himmat Sohal, Sustainable Energy Engineer, Zurich Resilience Solutions
– Gary Howe, Senior Risk Engineer – Fire Protection Engineering, Zurich Resilience Solutions

14:15 – 15:15
Breakout Session: Working Group
ESG Working Group: Accrediting Carbon Emission Reductions to BESS – Methodologies and Applications
This working group will focus on operational ESG methodologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The structure includes:

• Presentation (10 min): Overview of the Open-Source BESS Carbon Emissions Impact Tool and key insights.
• Panel Discussion (40 min): Importance of accounting for carbon impact of BESS for better decision-making by companies, investors, and governments.
• Q&A (10 min): Open mic session to address delegate questions.

Moderator: Naomi Baker, Senior Policy Analyst, EnergyUK
Speakers:
– Alex Starling, Principal Analyst, Impact Team, National Wealth Fund
– Andreas Gandolfo, Strategy Manager, Pulse Clean Energy
– Rajiv Gogna, Partner, LCP Delta

15:45 – 16:45
Breakout Session: Workshop
Mastering BESS Management with Centralized Monitoring & Control: Live Demonstration & Q&A
Managing a diverse BESS portfolio presents unique challenges. Univers engineers have developed a centralized monitoring and control solution that integrates seamlessly with existing EMS and SCADA systems. This workshop will explore how an all-in-one platform enhances BESS management and long-term service.

Key Questions Addressed:
– How to streamline warranty tracking and ensure OEM compliance?
– What data granularity and frequency are ideal for operational needs?
– How to prioritize for improved operational and financial performance?

Agenda:
– 15:45 – 15:50: Welcome and Introduction
– 15:50 – 16:00: Market Trends and Challenges in BESS Management
– 16:00 – 16:20: Live Demonstration of Univers’ BESS Management Solution
– 16:20 – 16:35: Harmony Energy’s success story with Univers
– 16:35 – 16:45: Tailored Consultations and Q&A

Speakers:
– Ked Shayer, Head of Engineering, Harmony Energy
– Sachit Prakash, Director Smart Grid & Storage, Univers
– Maria Papadopoulou, Senior Customer Success Manager, Univers
– Maher Chebbo, Managing Director, Europe, Univers

15:45 – 16:45
Breakout Session: Panel Discussion
Powering Her Future: Women in Energy Storage (hosted by WiNES)
Moderator: Sabrina Polito, Associate, CMS
Speakers:
– Gayatri Desai, Managing Director & Head of Energy Transition & Sustainable Finance, CIBC
– Cathy McClay, Managing Director, National Grid DSO
– Cynthia Grainger, Commercial Manager, Hypercube
– Lisa Mackay, Chief Commercial Officer, Fidra Energy
– Charlotte Johnson, Global Head of Markets, Kraken

17:20 – 18:20
Breakout Session: Workshop
Utility-Scale BESS: Enhancing Grid Stability and Ensuring Safety
Join David Minnis and Dr. Miguel Ochoa Gimenez for a workshop showcasing Huawei’s Large-scale BESS and insights into the future of energy storage.

Speakers:
– David Minnis, Director, ESS EU Region, Huawei
– Dr. Miguel Ochoa Giménez, PhD, Global Grid Technology Director, Huawei

Day 2 | 19th February 2025

12:30 – 13:15
Breakout Session: Working Group
The Electricity Storage Network: Policy Priorities Workshop for Grid-Scale Storage in GB
The Electricity Storage Network, managed by Regen, represents over 100 organizations working in grid-scale storage. This workshop will outline draft policy priorities for industry feedback and collaboration.

Speaker:
– Olly Frankland, Electricity Storage Network Lead, Regen

13:30 – 14:30
Breakout Session: The Intersection of AI, Energy Storage and Data Centres
This invite-only seminar will address the growing power demand in data centres and the energy storage sector’s role in this evolving landscape.

Speakers:
– Charles Lesser, Partner, Alexa Capital
– Bruce Huber, CEO, Alexa Capital

13:45 – 14:45
Breakout Session: Workshop
Optimiser Hour: The Road Ahead for Asset Management
As more storage projects become operational, this session will address how to maximize assets, fostering discussions among optimizers and asset owners about key industry challenges.

Moderator: Shaniyaa Holness-McKenzie, Market Lead, GB, Modo
Speakers:
– Apoorv Saxena, Quantitative Developer, Renewable Energy, Centrica Energy
– Ralph Johnson, Head of UK Business Development, Habitat Energy
– Fabrizio Fenu, Head of Business Development, EDF

Feedback from 2024 Breakout Zone

“The breakout area was essential. It was fantastic to see so many from the DESNZ team there and provide feedback.” – Swanbarton Representative
“I had the opportunity to meet many valuable people to further my career as a woman in the sector.” – GAMA Power System Representative

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Key Information for the Summit

• 17 February: Invitation Only
• 18 – 19 February: Conference and Exhibition Doors Open at 8 AM
  Download our Event Networking App for quicker entry.

We look forward to seeing you at the Summit!
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