Episode 3: Transforming Transmission for Net Zero

Keith Bell holds the Scottish Power Chair in Future Power Systems at the University of Strathclyde. He joined Strathclyde in 2005 after roles as a university researcher and as a system development engineer with National Grid. He is a co-Director of the UK Energy Research Centre. In 2019 he became a member of the UK’s Climate Change Committee. A Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, he has advised the Scottish, UK and Irish governments and Ofgem on electrical energy and power systems issues and is active in CIGRE, the International Council of Large Electric Systems.

Laura Fleming is the Country Managing Director of Hitachi Energy in the UK and Ireland, where she leads the company’s strategic direction, operations, and growth in one of the world’s most dynamic energy markets. 

Laura joined Hitachi Energy in July 2022, with over 20 years of leadership in the energy sector in the development and commercialization of large-scale renewable and infrastructure projects throughout the UK and Europe. Before joining Hitachi Energy, she spent 10 years with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE).

Laura is committed to driving the UK’s transition to a more sustainable, resilient, and efficient energy system. Under Laura’s leadership, Hitachi Energy has played an instrumental role in supporting the UK’s energy infrastructure and continues to support the UK's ambitious net-zero goals by delivering cutting-edge solutions that power the future of energy. Key projects include offshore wind connections, smart grid solutions, and energy storage technologies—all crucial to ensuring the integration of clean, renewable power sources into the national grid.

Currently a board member of Renewable UK and a member of the Onshore Wind Taskforce, formed by Secretary of State, Ed Miliband, Laura’s primary motivation is to make the world a better place for everyone to live and work in, through collaborative and system thinking which together enable the creation of sustainable communities and the delivery of clean affordable power for all.

Originally from the Netherlands, Laura holds a BSc in Town and Country Planning from Utrecht University and a Masters’ degree in Economic Development from Glasgow University. 

Laura has over 18 years’ experience in Engineering and Project Management; with project experience ranging from cutting edge Naval ships / Submarines, infrastructure for London Olympic Games to Electricity Transmission.  She has been with ScottishPower for over 8.5 years, including an assignment in the US.  Her current role as Head of Strategic Projects for SP Transmission, involves delivery of a large capital investment portfolio worth circa £3billion.  This investment is critical to ensuring the onshore transmission system is ready for Net Zero and can connect the required renewable energy generation. Laura has a keen interest in innovation, digitalisation and looking at how we can work smarter through greater collaboration.