In this episode, the pivotal decisions and explosive moments that shaped our energy system in the 20th Century. 

Built in recession, battle-tested in war, we learn about the foundation of the National Grid and how it came to provide energy to homes and businesses across Britain. 

We also hear how the OPEC Crisis of the mid-1970s caused oil prices to quadruple overnight and led to decisions to diversify energy production to reduce vulnerability. But with bills skyrocketing during the Russia-Ukraine war, have lessons been learned? And were these past energy shocks a precursor to today's green transition?

Clare Nasir is joined in this episode by 

• Akshay Kaul, Director General for Infrastructure, Ofgem
• Dr Jonathan Aylen, Visiting Senior Researcher, Manchester Institute of Innovation Research
• Professor Ian Wereley, Adjunct Research Professor, Carleton University
• Professor Ian Fells, former UK government energy advisor