Priya will be speaking at the upcoming Power Plant Operations and Flexibility 2025 event, for further details please visit the event website.
Could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience related to the focus of this event?
Priya Bhagavathy (PB): As a leading expert in energy systems with over 15 years of experience, I currently lead the Whole Energy Systems, Heat and Hydrogen Portfolio at PNDC. My expertise spans technology research, innovation, and business model development in the low-carbon energy sector, including electricity, transport, thermal, and hydrogen. Notably, I've supported over 10 SMEs in developing their hydrogen-related innovations, from product development to market identification and business model creation. With a proven track record of delivering successful research projects, I'm excited to share my insights at this conference.
What, in your experience, has been the biggest roadblock for the industry over the past 2-3 years?
PB: In my opinion, the industry has faced significant challenges in attracting and retaining top talent, largely due to limited re-training opportunities that often fail to provide the necessary depth for immediate workforce entry. Additionally, supply chain bottlenecks have arisen from our high reliance on a small number of countries for critical input materials.
What key topics are you excited to discuss at this year's conference?
PB: How can the latest technologies and real-world success stories help boost plant efficiency and reduce emissions? What are the best practices for retrofitting, modernizing, and using predictive maintenance to extend the life of aging assets? How is the evolving electricity market impacting plant operations, and what new business opportunities can we identify to stay competitive?
What do you consider to be the key areas of innovation in this industry, both in the UK and internationally?
PB: Developing technologies and strategies to make thermal plants more flexible, supporting renewable energy integration and balancing grid supply and demand. - Leveraging AI, machine learning, and IoT sensors for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimized plant operations. - Implementing combined cycle gas turbines (CCGTs) and supercritical coal technologies to achieve higher efficiencies and lower emissions.
Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
PB: Discussing how new regulations impact safety and compliance, and sharing proven strategies to maintain the highest safety standards. Fostering insightful discussions and networking to share best practices and help attendees improve their processes against industry leaders.
Why is it important for engineers to join this conference?
PB: Joining this conference is essential for engineers to stay updated on the evolving electricity market and sustainability challenges, while learning strategies to enhance operational efficiency and reliability. They will benefit from expert insights and case studies on managing aging assets and exploring new business opportunities. Additionally, the conference offers valuable networking opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Power Plant Operations and Flexibility 2025 will be taking place as part of Decarbonise, Power, Store on 29 April 2025 in Manchester.
The latest iteration of this popular seminar will bring together engineers working across power generation to share best practice and strategies around plant efficiency, inspections, maintenance, retrofitting, and other key topics. Organisations speaking include NESO, efinium, Veolia, EDF, RWE and many more.
Attendees will also be able to access presentations at the Decarbonising the Industrial Clusters 2025 and Energy Storage 2025 events, taking place at the same day and location.
To view the full list of presentations and to book your place, visit the event website.