EEMUA Conference 2025

Day Two - Thursday 27 March 2025

Time Description Location
09:00 - 09:50 Plenary 3: Challenges with the Energy Transition and Growing Use of the Distribution Network
  This plenary session tackles the complexities of moving away from traditional electricity production towards integrating renewable energy sources into the grid. The focus will be on the challenges of adapting the distribution network to support a sustainable energy future. Attendees will gain insights into the technical, regulatory, and operational hurdles faced during this transition, as well as strategies to enhance grid flexibility and resilience.  
09:50 - 10:10

BREAK

10:10 - 11:00

Breakout sessions - D

 

(D1) Human Factors: Improving reliability through safety management system 

 
  This presentation examines the integration of human factors to enhance reliability in major hazard industries. It will explore how safety management systems can incorporate human factors to minimize errors, optimize performance, and foster a culture of safety. Attendees will gain insights into the interplay between human behaviour and system design, highlighting the strategies to improve operator reliability and decision-making processes.  
 

(D2) Hazardous area inspections: Creeping Change/Issues with Mothballing

 
  This presentation will discuss the challenges of creeping changes and mothballing, highlighting the importance of rigorous inspection protocols and continuous professional development. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for identifying and mitigating risks associated with gradual changes and temporary decommissioning.  
 

(D3) Battery Energy Storage Systems

 
  This presentation delves into the electrical facets of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) technology. The focus will be on the design, operation, and integration of these systems within the power grid. Attendees will gain insights into key electrical considerations, such as battery chemistry, power conversion systems, and grid connectivity. Key focus areas include efficiency optimization, energy management strategies and the role of BESS in enhancing grid stability and reliability.  
11:10 - 12:00 Breakout sessions - E
 

(E1) Management of change and project governance

 
 

(E2) Ageing Plant - Integrity management and life extension of wind turbines

 
  This presentation tackles the pressing challenges of managing ageing wind turbines and explores the end-of-life options. There will be a focus on maintaining mechanical safety-critical elements and strategies for extending turbine life. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for evaluating the condition of ageing turbines, implementing life-extension techniques, and considering end-of-life options such as repowering, refurbishing, or decommissioning.
 
 
 

(E3) Electrical Distribution & Electrical Infrastructure - Introduction 

 
 

Sometimes it's useful to step back and look at the wider picture.  That's the idea of this session:  Electrical Distribution for people who aren't from an electrical discipline, or who are, but simply want to know more.  After all, we're talking about the largest electrical machine in Europe.

 
12:00 - 13:00

LUNCH

13:00 - 13:50

Breakout sessions - F

 

(F1) Behaviours that deliver the Principles of Process Safety Leadership

 
  This presentation focuses on essential behaviours that leaders within organisations should embody to promote a safety-first culture. It will highlight the critical role of leadership in driving process safety, emphasizing behaviours such as proactive risk management, transparent communication, and consistent commitment to safety protocols. Key focus areas include building trust, empowering employees to voice safety concerns, and integrating safety into everyday decision-making processes.  
 

(F2) Structural Integrity Management - The importance of effective maintenance of civil infrastructure

 
  This presentation underscores the critical role of maintaining civil assets in process, industrial, and production environments. It will highlight best practices from EEMUA’s publication 238 on the lifecycle management of civil assets. Attendees will gain insights into strategies for ensuring structural integrity, including regular inspections, preventative maintenance, and timely repairs.  
 

(F3) Hydrogen safety 

 
  Hydrogen has enormous potential as a fuel:  clean, potentially green and energy efficient.  However, safe use of hydrogen has long been difficult to ensure - it isn't just like any other fuel.  It wasn't such a problem when the group of users was small, technically well-informed, and routinely handled only small quantities.  But soon that is likely to change, which means that a far wider community will need to be aware of hydrogen's special properties, the risks which come with them and how to avoid them.  
14:00 - 14:50 Plenary 4: The Impact of AI on industry – have you asked your computer yet?
  This presentation explores the transformative influence of AI on organisations, particularly in high hazard industries. It will examine how integrating AI can enhance operational efficiency, decision-making, and innovation, while also highlighting the potential security threats AI poses. Attendees will gain insights into the benefits of AI adoption, including predictive maintenance and automation, as well as the challenges, such as safeguarding against cyber threats and ensuring the robustness of AI systems.  
14:50 - 15:00

Staying connected and updated on EEMUA.

15:00 - 15:15

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