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The energy transformation challenge featured 25 expert contributions from across the spectrum of BCECA's membership, augmented by contributions from representatives of the UK's major political parties, financial and legal experts, training agencies and HR specialists. Around 150 participants joined the conference for all or part of a lively conversation across the interconnected policy, financial, labour market and technology considerations associated with energy transformation. A fully indexed recording of the proceedings can be viewed here. The compelling message emerged was a pressing need for stability in several areas of the energy transformation challenge. In her conference wrap-up, our CEO Tracey Shelley summarised the need for greater stability within three broad headings: policy and regulation, finance and investment and workforce planning. Below is a full conference recording with direct playback of individual sessions and speakers. You can also view the conference report, presented at a reception in Central London on 6 December 2022. |
The bigger picture
The programme opened with an introduction from the BCECA chair, Fluor’s Mark Stanton, followed by a keynote contribution from the Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Net Zero, Dr Alan Whitehead MP. This set the context for presentations and a panel discussion examining the linked challenges of regulatory frameworks, investment, skills and innovation.
This recording includes contributions by:
[00:00:28] Mark Stanton – Fluor
[00:10:16] Jonathan Carpenter – Petrofac
[00:59:55] Neil Golding – EIC
[01:12:57] Shruti Aggarwal – Fluor
[01:28:14] Discussion
Financing a net zero future
Two parallel sessions followed the opening session. One examined the financing of decarbonisation projects with multidisciplinary input from senior figures in the banking, legal, innovation, investment, and UK government spheres. The panel discussion was facilitated by Bechtel Infrastructure CEO Mark Campbell.
This recording includes contributions from:
[00:04:01] The developer: Neville Hargreaves, Velocys
[00:06:08] The investor: Richard Hulf, Hydrogen One Capital
[00:07:22] The banker: Cem Orekli, Societe Generale
[00:09:01] The lawyer: Matt Hardwick, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld LLP
[00:10:04] The government: Villy Kladi, BEIS
[00:12:15] Defining the challenges
[00:44:51] Panel discussion
[01:05:06] Quickfire conclusions, one big ask
No people, no progress
A second parallel session examined skills supply and workforce issues, including recruitment, training, and retention, considering equality and diversity issues.
Paula Smith, Head of People and Organisation at Aker Solutions UK, facilitated an expert panel discussion with Frazer Budd, McDermott International; Karen Blanc, Kent; Chris Mullins, BCECA Young Engineer, Wood; Caroline Nokes MP; Sarah Shakespeare, North Sea Transition Authority; and Jenny Young, ECITB.
This recording includes:
[00:03:30] Introductions
[00:06:48] Discussion on equality, diversity, and inclusion
[00:21:03] Discussion on graduate development
[00:43:09] Discussion on flexible working v hybrid working
Building on what we’ve learned: Part 1
The afternoon proceedings opened with a Keynote contribution from David Walker. David is the project manager at HyNet Northwest, a pioneering region-wide decarbonisation scheme covering northwest England and north Wales. A diverse mix of project case studies from engineering contractors followed this. Kent's Matthew Wills chaired the session.
[00:02:57] Keynote: David Walker, Hynet
[00:26:21] Upgrading ageing assets: Adish Jain and Paul Dickens, Fluor
[00:42:36] Hydrogen balancing supply and demand: James Watt, WSP
[00:58:00] From sludge to sustainable aviation fuel: Michael Czarnecki, Petrofac
[01:13:55] Q&A session
Building on what we’ve learned: Part 2
Chaired by Aker Solutions VP Nicola Grieve, the final session of BCECA’s conference examined three further project case studies before closing with an overview and assessment of the next steps from BCECA CEO Tracey Shelley.
[00:02:38] The value of seamless collaboration: Roger Sturgeon, ABB
[00:15:56] Sustainable aviation fuels: Rudie Havenga, Worley
[00:31:19] Applying UK expertise internationally: James Fibbens, Bechtel
[00:46:40] Q&A
[00:58:06] Closing remarks: Tracey Shelley, BCECA
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