Energy Unplugged by Aurora EP.251 Ben Wilson, President, National Grid Ventures
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Aug 12, 2025 Ben Wilson, President of National Grid Ventures, brings a wealth of experience from overseeing low-carbon energy sectors in the UK, Europe, and the US. He discusses the critical role of interconnectors and hybrid offshore grids for a cohesive European energy landscape. The conversation dives into how electrification and AI are reshaping electricity demand, alongside the promising role of hydrogen in cutting emissions. Wilson also navigates political hurdles in renewable energy planning and emphasizes the need for innovative regulatory approaches to foster efficiency and competition.
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Gas Will Stay Strategic
- Gas will remain important for decades, with LNG imports likely rising as domestic and Norwegian production falls.
- Ben Wilson says peak gas capacity declines slower than volumes, so terminals like Grain stay strategically vital.
Electricity Demand Is Returning
- Electricity demand is set to grow faster than GDP due to AI, data centres and reshoring.
- Wilson argues this structural load growth makes electricity the primary growth opportunity for National Grid.
Plan For No-Regret Assets
- Plan long-term and build 'no regret' transmission that works under multiple scenarios.
- Use central strategic network planning (eg NISOs) to back into robust network investments.