Registration and refreshments
08:45 to
09:30
Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
09:30 to
09:40
Speaker:
Mark Farrar.
Chair.
RTPI Cymru.
Keynote
09:40 to
09:50
Meeting Wales’s infrastructure needs – policy and government support for unlocking faster development
09:50 to
10:15
- The latest update on the Planning (Wales) Act – timelines and next steps for implementation
- Reviewing Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 – changes in national priorities and new strategic direction
Securing planning consent in a new system: where are we now with the Significant Infrastructure Projects regime?
10:15 to
10:40
- What does the new pre-application guidance mean for project promoters seeking consent?
- Best approaches to drafting an Infrastructure Consenting Order – what needs to be included?
- Crucial insights from the first applications under the new process
Speaker:
Cathryn Tracey.
Partner.
Burges Salmon.
Morning networking and refreshments
10:40 to
11:10
Panel discussion: Will the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 streamline consenting and how can we maximise the opportunities it presents?
11:10 to
11:55
- Is the new consenting regime fit for purpose? What more is needed to reduce planning delays and accelerate delivery?
- Aligning SIPs with the DCO process and wider UK planning policy
- Developing a planning system that addresses resource constraints faced local authorities and key stakeholders
- Lessons learned so far and priorities for improving the process
Speakers:
Mary Lewis.
Head of Natural Resources Management Policy.
Natural Resources Wales.
Vicky Robinson.
Chief Planning Inspector.
Planning and Environment Decisions Wales.
Chris Thomas.
Site Origination Director.
Wind 2.
Investing in Welsh communities through infrastructure development – practical strategies for delivering lasting benefits
11:55 to
12:20
- What areas should be prioritised when delivering community benefits in Wales?
- Driving local ownership and community participation in infrastructure schemes
- Creating value throughout the project lifecycle – from inception to delivery
- Measuring and demonstrating the long-term impact of community benefits
Networking lunch
12:20 to
13:20
Financing Wales’s infrastructure pipeline – new opportunities and plans for unlocking investment across the country
13:20 to
13:45
- Incentives and financial mechanisms available to maximise and derisk investment in infrastructure
- Demonstrating why Wales is an attractive destination for development
- Examples of successful partnerships and projects that have catalysed additional investment
Speaker:
Chris Griffiths.
Technical Investor Director.
Development Bank Wales.
Decarbonising Southeast Wales: transforming former industrial sites into renewable energy hubs
13:45 to
14:10
- Crucial insight on progress so far – updates on timelines and key opportunities to support the planning stage
- What types of renewable energy infrastructure does the masterplan include?
- Minimising environmental impacts while improving the ecosystem’s long-term health
Speaker:
Phil Nightingale.
Project Delivery Director.
CCR Energy.
Panel discussion: What’s next for infrastructure in Wales – emerging sectors and innovative technologies that are driving growth
14:10 to
14:55
- How is hydrogen and carbon capture development advancing in Wales?
- Unlocking nuclear potential – from small modular reactor to large-scale sites including Wylfa and Gwynedd
- Strengthening supply chains and workforce capabilities to support future infrastructure projects
- Creating the conditions for new energy sectors to scale successfully
Speakers:
Mark Salisbury.
Head of Regulatory Affairs.
Rolls-Royce SMR.
Meghan Davies.
Energy and Net Zero Programme Manager.
Ambition North Wales.
Ed Evans.
Company Director and Secretary.
CECA Wales.
Afternoon networking and refreshments
14:55 to
15:25
Enabling floating offshore wind deployment in Wales: how the Celtic Freeport is supporting development
15:25 to
15:50
- Transforming Port Talbot into the UK’s first dedicated floating offshore wind port – where are we now?
- How are schemes in the area progressing and what port infrastructure upgrades are needed to support large-scale FLOW deployment?
- The role of freeports in attracting investment and supply chain growth
Speaker:
Alice Jones.
Public Affairs Manager Wales.
Associated British Ports.
Panel discussion: How can Wales unlock grid capacity through connections reform and new electricity infrastructure?
15:50 to
16:35
- How did the reordering of the connection queue affect energy projects in Wales?
- The latest updates on the regional energy strategic plan – ensuring local areas get the energy assets they need
- How can the sector accelerate the delivery of transmission infrastructure between north and south Wales?
- Aligning grid development with the future energy demand and new technologies
Speakers:
Fiona Morrison.
Head of Business Operations.
Green GEN Cymru.
Aled Rowlands.
Head of Engagement, Strategic Projects.
NESO.
Chair’s closing remarks
16:35 to
16:45
Close of conference and networking drinks
16:45 to
17:45