How to future proof London’s energy grid

London needs 880,000 new homes in the next decade, alongside more industrial development and data centres to support economic growth. A recent London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee meeting revealed concerns about whether London’s energy grid can support those ambitions.¹

West London has faced particular challenges in recent years, with the Greater London Authority (GLA), Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), National Energy System Operator (NESO) and others working to find solutions to the problem. The area’s growing number of data centres, coupled with the sharp rise in AI demand, threatens to deepen pressure on the energy grid.

On Monday, the Planning and Regeneration Committee will ask guests what more can be done to resolve energy capacity issues in West London, how those challenges may affect the Mayor’s plans for housing and economic development, and what the next London Plan should include to help future-proof London’s energy grid.

The guests are:

Panel 1:

• Peter Bingham, Chief Engineer, Ofgem;
• Julian Leslie, Director of Strategic Energy Planning, NESO;
• Andrew Roper, Director of Distribution System Operations, SSE;
• John Twomey, Director of Customer and Network Development, National Grid

Panel 2

• Sophie Donaldson, London Plan Infrastructure Lead, GLA;
• Davena Wilson, Director of Projects, Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC);
• Stephen Campbell, Interim Head of Infrastructure, OPDC;
• Alec Scragg, Development Lead, GLA Infrastructure Coordination Service

The meeting will take place on Monday, 8 September at 2pm in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

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