Chaired by Strategy & Partnerships Director, Elliott Sharpe, he shares a roundup of the event, along with his reflections and highlights.
On 17th September, Vital Energi hosted its Future of Energy event at Kings Cross, London, bringing together over 100 leaders and stakeholders from housing associations, universities, consultants, developers, investors, and policy makers. The day explored one central question: what is the future of energy?
The event was chaired by Strategy & Partnerships Director, Elliott Sharpe, who shares a roundup of the event, along with his reflections and highlights.
We wanted to bring the industry together to share insights, challenge assumptions, and inspire collective action. Decarbonisation is not just a technical challenge, it is a social one too. Our role (collectively) is to deliver solutions that benefit people, communities, and future generations.
Our panel of “Tomorrow’s Trailblazers” – opened the event with our very own group of apprentices and graduates who shared their expectations of today’s decision-makers and their call for a clear and urgent pathway to net zero. Their insight and resilience highlighted that the future of the industry is in capable hands.
A heavyweight discussion followed, featuring representatives from AECOM, Triple Point, DESNZ, the National Wealth Fund, and Vital Energi, examining how investment, policy, and technical modelling can align to unlock value in energy networks. A key takeaway was lets not make social value a box ticking exercise and lets create meaningful impact! We also have our fingers crossed that the Warm Homes Plan will announce support in the cost of heat challenge hat networks are currently facing.
In the afternoon, attendees heard stories from Leeds PIPES customers, with speakers from the public and private sectors emphasising the importance of trust, alignment, and a framework for engagement in delivering lasting decarbonisation. Regulatory challenges were also debated in depth, with a focus on how housing associations and the wider sector must prepare for a rapidly evolving policy landscape.
We then showcased real-world case studies, from Islington Council and the City of London demonstrating that decarbonisation does not have to come at a premium. By combining bold strategies with practical action, we illustrated how meaningful reductions in carbon, consumption and cost are already being achieved and can help fund future decarbonisation works and pay for themselves.
We wrapped up by sharing why we do what we do, not just what we do, or how we do it – it’s not just the technology, but the purpose behind it. A social value video (below) reminded us that the energy transition is about more than networks, batteries, or heat pumps: it’s about making a tangible difference to communities and future generations.
We started the day by asking the audience what their vision was for the future of energy. But little did they know, the answer was sat right in front of them all the time, hidden inside their goodie bag. Our amazing children at the Youth Zone in Blackburn created the artwork that became the keyrings in our delegates’ gift bags. Each with a little message, a reminder right from the start that the future we’re building is not just technical – it’s about people and communities too.
Throughout the event, one clear theme emerged: technology is vital, but purpose is essential.
The day closed with networking and a strong sense of shared optimism, proving that the Future of Energy is not just a vision, it is already taking shape through collaboration, innovation, and purpose.
What stood out to me on the day was the strong sense of unity in the room. It felt as though everyone had come together with a shared determination to tackle the energy challenge we face – one that goes beyond climate to include affordability and the wellbeing of our communities.
There was also a powerful reminder that this transition is about people as much as technology. From the importance of supporting communities today to empowering the younger generation who will shape tomorrow, the event had a real human spirit running through it. That spirit of collaboration and purpose is what I’ll carry forward from the Future of Energy.
