EPISODE · Feb 10, 2026 · 55 MIN
CfDs and GB’s Clean Power Revolution: Neil McDermott, CEO LCCC & ESC
from EIC Podcasts
In this episodeOur host Stuart Broadley speaks with Neil McDermott, CEO of the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) and Electricity Settlements Company (ESC), about how one of the UK’s most critical, and yet less well known, public institutions has helped deliver one of the world’s most successful low-carbon electricity markets.Stuart and Neil explore how the Contracts for Difference (CfD) model emerged from the UK’s electricity market reform, how auctions and long-term revenue certainty have driven down the cost of capital, and why the scheme has been instrumental in scaling offshore wind, solar and other low-carbon technologies. They discuss how investor confidence, competitive allocation rounds and stable policy have helped unlock more than £75 billion of private investment while protecting consumers from price volatility.Looking ahead, they examine how the CfD framework is being adapted to support new technologies such as hydrogen, carbon capture and floating offshore wind, the growing importance of digital systems and data, the Regulated Asset Base model for nuclear, and how these mechanisms could shape the UK’s energy security, affordability and industrial strategy in the years ahead.What Is the EIC? The Energy Industries Council (EIC) is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations. As a not-for-profit organisation, it supports more than 950 member companies involved in the global energy value chain. EIC operatesinternationally, with offices in London, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dubai, and soon, Berlin.It is energy agnostic, supporting all parts of the energy sector. From mature renewable onshore and offshore sectors like wind, solar and hydropower; to grid infrastructure and large nuclear; to hydrocarbon sectors like oil & gas, LNG, FPSO, decommissioning, upstream, midstream and downstream; to emerging low-carbon sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture, CCUS, energy storage, BESS, biofuels, SAF (sustainable aviation fuels), and geothermal.EIC provides a wide range of services, including access to global market intelligence, CAPEX and OPEX project data, consulting support, events, business development opportunities, and advocacy. It also facilitates connections with key decision-makers and policymakers in the energy sector worldwide.Stay Connected with EICLearn more about the EICExplore EIC membership Learn more about the Five Golden Rules for a Healthy Energy Supply ChainLearn about EIC ConsultLearn more about Bankable EnergiesLearn more about the LCCC & ESCContact Stuart Broadley about doing your own C-level EIC podcast at [email protected]
What this episode covers
In this episodeOur host Stuart Broadley speaks with Neil McDermott, CEO of the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) and Electricity Settlements Company (ESC), about how one of the UK’s most critical, and yet less well known, public institutions has helped deliver one of the world’s most successful low-carbon electricity markets.Stuart and Neil explore how the Contracts for Difference (CfD) model emerged from the UK’s electricity market reform, how auctions and long-term revenue certainty have driven down the cost of capital, and why the scheme has been instrumental in scaling offshore wind, solar and other low-carbon technologies. They discuss how investor confidence, competitive allocation rounds and stable policy have helped unlock more than £75 billion of private investment while protecting consumers from price volatility.Looking ahead, they examine how the CfD framework is being adapted to support new technologies such as hydrogen, carbon capture and floating offshore wind, the growing importance of digital systems and data, the Regulated Asset Base model for nuclear, and how these mechanisms could shape the UK’s energy security, affordability and industrial strategy in the years ahead.What Is the EIC? The Energy Industries Council (EIC) is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations. As a not-for-profit organisation, it supports more than 950 member companies involved in the global energy value chain. EIC operatesinternationally, with offices in London, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dubai, and soon, Berlin.It is energy agnostic, supporting all parts of the energy sector. From mature renewable onshore and offshore sectors like wind, solar and hydropower; to grid infrastructure and large nuclear; to hydrocarbon sectors like oil & gas, LNG, FPSO, decommissioning, upstream, midstream and downstream; to emerging low-carbon sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture, CCUS, energy storage, BESS, biofuels, SAF (sustainable aviation fuels), and geothermal.EIC provides a wide range of services, including access to global market intelligence, CAPEX and OPEX project data, consulting support, events, business development opportunities, and advocacy. It also facilitates connections with key decision-makers and policymakers in the energy sector worldwide.Stay Connected with EICLearn more about the EICExplore EIC membership Learn more about the Five Golden Rules for a Healthy Energy Supply ChainLearn about EIC ConsultLearn more about Bankable EnergiesLearn more about the LCCC & ESCContact Stuart Broadley about doing your own C-level EIC podcast at [email protected]
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CfDs and GB’s Clean Power Revolution: Neil McDermott, CEO LCCC & ESC
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