Business South’s Energy & Utilities South Action Group met to discuss the latest developments across the sector, including updates on the group’s work, the forthcoming Clean Energy South report launch event, the changes to the electricity grid and preparations for the Central South All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).
Energy White Paper update
The group received an update from the chair, Sam Clough, Director at Cavendish, on the development of its Energy White Paper, which has now been incorporated into a wider, research-led piece of work being developed with the University of Southampton’s Civic University.
Clean Energy South
Sue Littlemore, Civic University Director, from the University of Southampton provided more detail about the forthcoming Clean Energy South report launch event, which builds on the work of the Energy & Utilities South Action Group.
The report will be launched at St Mary’s Stadium on 6th October 2026 and will explore the region’s energy challenges and opportunities, with a focus on supporting collaboration between businesses, academia and the public sector.
Sign up here to attend the Clean Energy South Launch Event.
NESO and the changing energy landscape
The group then heard from Remy Shaieb, Senior Energy Consultant at Savills about the work of the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and changes to the electricity grid connection process.
Members discussed how these reforms could affect renewable energy development across the Central South, including opportunities and challenges around solar, battery storage, planning and the availability of suitable sites.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of community ownership and engagement in supporting the development of renewable energy projects and securing local support.
The group also considered the increasing energy demands associated with AI and data centres and what this could mean for the future of the UK’s energy system.
Taking the discussion to Parliament
The group also looked ahead to the Central South APPG, taking place at Portcullis House on 20 October.
The Clean Energy South report will help inform discussions with MPs, with the group working towards identifying key asks for Government around the region’s energy priorities.
AI in industry
The meeting concluded with a presentation from Dr John Flackett, Head and Co-Founder of AI Lab, exploring the difference between simply using AI and successfully adopting it within an organisation.
The discussion highlighted the growing relevance of AI across the region’s businesses and the importance of considering how organisations can adopt the technology effectively.
You can sign up for his workshops on the Business South website:
- Responsible Generative AI in Business Workshop: Maritime Sector | Business South
- Responsible Generative AI in Business Workshop: Construction Sector | Business South
