Guest Speakers
Alan Ritchie
Professor in High Voltage Engineering
University of Southampton
Alan Ritchie leads innovation at SSEN Transmission, where he is responsible for the strategy, governance, and delivery of innovation across the high‑voltage electricity network in the north of Scotland. He oversees a growing portfolio of projects spanning HVDC, AI and robotics, digital substations, and low‑carbon infrastructure. Alan works closely with regulators, supply chain partners, and academia to ensure emerging technologies move beyond concept and are safely integrated into live transmission systems, enabling faster, smarter, and greener progress in the energy transition.
David Adkins
Head of Network Architecture and Strategy
National Grid
David Adkins is Head of Network Architecture and Strategy at National Grid Electricity Transmission. He leads long‑term network design and strategy out to 2050, with a focus on enabling AI Growth Zones, data centre demand and strategic large loads, working closely with government and industry to unlock capacity and deliver a future‑ready electricity system.
Cornel Brozio
Professor of Electrical Energy System Infrastructure
The University of Manchester
Cornel Brozio works in the Network Planning & Regulation section of SP Energy Networks. After graduating from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, Cornel started his career in Eskom's generation business before returning to the University of Stellenbosch for doctoral studies. He joined National Grid in 1999 and moved to SP Energy Networks in 2003, where he now heads up a team responsible for a broad range of network modelling and simulation activities. Cornel has contributed to a range of transmission projects, including HVDC and series compensation schemes. Cornel is a member of the IET and the IEEE.
Neil McClymont
Head of Innovation
National Grid
Neil McClymont leads the development and delivery of innovation programmes that are critical to the transformation of the UK electricity system. A Chartered Engineer and Chartered Manager, Neil brings over 25 years of experience across the electricity sector, spanning system planning, network operations, asset management, and the delivery of large‑scale innovation programmes. Prior to joining National Grid, Neil held senior leadership roles at Electricity North West, where he was responsible for innovation strategy and the delivery of major Ofgem‑funded programmes, including smart network, automation, and monitoring initiatives. Earlier in his career, Neil worked at Siemens, specialising in electricity distribution system protection and control engineering across both industrial and utility environments. Neil holds an MSc in Electrical Power Engineering and a BEng (Hons) in Electrical Engineering & Electronics, both from the University of Manchester. He is an active mentor supporting engineers on the path to professional registration and is a regular contributor to industry discussions on electricity system transformation, innovation, and the practical delivery of net zero.
Gary Stockdale
Net Zero Innovation Manager
National Grid Electricity Transmission
Gary Stockdale leads the Net Zero Innovation team at National Grid Electricity Transmission, delivering cutting-edge projects across substations, underground cables, overhead lines, net zero construction, resilience, and more. Before joining the energy sector, he spent a decade in the water industry, holding leadership roles in innovation and asset strategy. His career has centred on leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating national and international programmes focused on water resources, R&D, and innovation—particularly in sustainability, the environment, and energy. Passionate about using innovation to accelerate the transition to net zero and proud to work alongside a team committed to driving lasting change in electricity transmission.