ERA / Keele - Smart Energy Networks & Low Carbon Generation Technologies

Event will focus on Smart Energy Networks and low carbon generation technologies. Bringing together researchers, academics and industry Keele University and ERA Skills School: Smart Energy Networks & Low Carbon Generation Technologies Join us at Keele University on 17 September 2026 for an exciting ERA-sponsored collaborative skills event focused on Smart Energy Networks and low carbon generation technologies. Bringing together doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, academics and industry partners from across the ERA partnership, this full-day event will provide excellent opportunities to learn about Keele University’s unique Local Energy Grid, Smart Energy Network Demonstrator, and green hydrogen production. Doctoral researcher lightning talks will offer the opportunity to present research from across the ERA partnership and the day will culminate in teams engaging in a real-world challenge data hackathon Attendees can expect a dynamic programme running from approximately 10.00am to 4.00pm, including: • Research showcase presentations, including lightning talks from PhD researchers across ERA partnerships and CDTs • Infrastructure tours of Keele’s local grid system and green hydrogen generation hub • A hackathon-style real-world data challenge, with the data from Keele’s SEND system. • Dedicated networking opportunities with academic and industry partners over lunch and breaks With places provisionally limited to 50 attendees, this event offers an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, raise your profile, and spark future collaborations in the transition to a net zero future. Draft agenda: 09.30 – 10.00 - Arrival / Registration /Refreshments - Neil Radford & Nick King (ERA) 10.00 – 10.20 - Welcome / Introductions and aims of the day - Neil Radford, ERA, Tasnim Munshi , Charlie Creissen, Keele University 10.20 – 11.10 - Infrastructure Tour - Charlie Creissen, Keele Estates colleagues 11.10 – 12.10 - Smart Energy Network Demonstrator demonstration, Matthew Dean, Keele University 12.10 – 13.00 Research Showcase presentations Peter Matthews (10 mins?) Various including PhDs (approx. 8 x 3 minutes, with final 10 minutes for questions) 13.00 – 13.45 - Lunch & Networking 13.45 – 15.45 - Hackathon challenge activity, Raphael Hirschi 15.45 – 16.00 - Hackathon results and closing remarks, Tasnim Munshi 16.00 – 16.45 - Optional networking and refreshments