Comment by Chris Brierley, Senior Engagement and Impact Advisor at Energy Systems Catapult.

Autumn always feels like conference season to me. Back in my days as a political journalist covering party conferences at the BBC, it was all about debates and deadlines. Now, representing Energy Systems Catapult, I find myself traveling across the country to share insights and spark conversations.

Conference prep

This year, I had the privilege of delivering the Day 1 keynote at EMEX – The Net Zero & Energy Management Expo. Like most events, this was booked months in advance. Back in the (not-so-sunny) summer, I worked with colleagues to craft my title:

“Carbon, cost, and community: The place-based solution to Net Zero.”

The blurb we put together laid the groundwork: “The race to Net Zero isn’t straightforward. There’s no magic bullet. But with so much information out there, Chris will explore the challenges of reducing carbon, the cost of action (or inaction), and the leadership required – from grassroots to government – for a smoother transition.”

Fast-forward to two weeks before the event, and with slides due, I finally sat down to create something coherent. With COP29 running in the background, the focus became clear: leadership and delivery. Net Zero needs political vision, yes – but more importantly, we need tangible delivery plans.

What I shared

Drawing on the Catapult’s work, I highlighted how leaders like Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester, Sadiq Khan in London, and the Welsh Government are transforming national ambitions into local action. Vision is vital, but it’s delivery – real, practical action plans – that will get us to 2030 and beyond.

Many local areas already have the will and the vision. What’s missing is clarity on the how. With a shiny new video on Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) in hand (watch this space), I headed to the conference to discuss how to turn these plans into action.

Hearing from the frontline

Last-minute schedule change? No problem. I stepped into a public-sector roundtable, hosted by Local Partnerships discussing LAEPs and regional energy planning. These sessions are invaluable for hearing directly from those working at local authorities, grappling with the realities of moving from plans to projects. The takeaway was clear:

• Plans are crucial – most areas have them or are getting them.
• Challenges remain – funding, who delivers what and delivery mechanisms, and avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.

As always, listening to real-world experiences – from Yorkshire to Wales to Oxfordshire – helped sense-check our work at the Catapult.

Bringing people along

The conference showcased the breadth of innovation, from SMEs turning steam into energy to cutting-edge AI solutions. Yet, as my former colleague once joked, the energy transition can sometimes feel like an afterthought when some councils are focused on bin collections and other statutory duties.

The truth is, Net Zero isn’t just about big ideas; it’s about making them relatable and actionable for everyone. Ed Miliband summed up the why in his recent post, but the how still needs work – and that’s why events like EMEX matter.

I left the conference energised and hopeful that, together, we’re turning ideas into place-based action.