A Collaborative Approach to the Energy Transformation | Roundtable Summary

At a roundtable coordinated by The Whitehall & Industry Group, key players in industry and government came together to share net zero plans and discuss where there is scope to partner to ensure whole system approaches.  

Their discussion covered five themes: collaboration, consequences, confidence, customers, and communities. These themes can be seen as a framework to collaboratively approach complex issues.  

A shared approach  

Our attendees observed that a shared recognition of the value of a joint approach and joint consequences inspired quick action in historical instances of collaboration leading to tangible results – including the combined efforts that emerged from the challenges brought forth by COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis. They emphasised the need to apply this mentality to the net zero challenge. 

Collaboration 

Attendees discussed the advantages of using a collaborative approach, the necessary steps to make collaboration happen, and touched upon some areas that a systems view would enable a better solution.  

A broad set of stakeholders will be required to correctly define the transition pathway and milestones along it. Listening to multiple perspectives can provide the needed clarity for effective use of a systems-think approach, for example when considering the best use of resources across the whole system. 

Delegates identified the following actions to ensure that a collaborative approach is achievable: 

  • Take a proactive approach to collaboration 
  • Set aside the time to pursue a collaborative approach 
  • Consider sharing information to increase clarity among stakeholders 

Confidence 

Attendees asserted that the UK should seek to create confidence about the energy transformation to increase investments and encourage action. They identified several ways to project this confidence including sending clear policy signals, greater transparency around the transition plan, and having constancy and consistency in measurements across the piece. Beginning to move forward towards net zero by actioning the parts of the system that are ready to connect and using all available options can also help signal this readiness.  

Shared Consequences 

It’s important to create a sense of collective responsibility and shared jeopardy, and drive prioritisation, while avoiding blame or control to facilitate the move from words to action, according to delegates.   

This can be achieved by framing energy transformation as an investment in the future with an emphasis on the wider implications of climate change. This includes the effects on health, such as through urban heat islands, and on finances, such as the future expense of importing technology.  

Stakeholder engagement 

With the recognition that joined up efforts would be beneficial also came a recognition that a shared approach to stakeholders would help take those affected on a journey.  

The roundtable identified two key groups of external stakeholders: customers and communities.   

Customers 

Achieving net-zero will require behaviour change from consumers. Their desires, such as for less expensive and easy-to-use products and services, may not align with available solutions. Supporting the customer to build trust, engagement and understanding of the policy environment can help to bridge this mismatch; however, delegates assert government will also need to create a regulatory environment that enables organisations to compete within the space to drive forward innovation.  

Communities 

The projects put forth to achieve net zero will affect local communities and their surrounding nature.  By understanding of the public acceptance of different projects, such as through the National Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) planning system, stakeholders can help ensure infrastructure is created in a way that benefits communities and the nature surrounding them. This transparency of public opinion can also highlight where there may need to be more support in convincing the affected communities of the opportunities.  

One way to convince those who have yet to buy-in to these methods is through showcasing how these projects will help their communities in other areas and utilising a joined-up approach on projects that support this goal. For example, both Levelling Up and energy transformation plans will need to develop new skills and jobs in the affected areas.  

 

Those thinking about other complex problems can use these themes of collaboration, confidence, consequences, customers, and communities as a framework to help identify opportunities for working with multiple stakeholders and achieving action.  

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