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Participants heard two thought-provoking keynotes that provided authoritative overviews of the policy landscape and the skills supply needed to facilitate energy transformation. The meeting attracted online participants from 50 organisations spanning the contracting and construction industries and their clients and supply chain partners. Post-event feedback was positive, with nine out of ten participants expressing satisfaction with the conference arrangements and 61% of delegates indicated a preference for the event to continue in its established online format. Here is a full conference recording with direct playback of individual sessions and speakers. You can also view the conference report, which was presented at a reception in the House of Lords on 21 November 2023. |
Opening Morning Session + Keynote Speech
The programme opened with an introduction from BCECA chair, Fluor’s Mark Stanton, followed by a keynote contribution from Crossbench Peer and Chartered Engineer Lord Ravensdale. This set the context for the day’s discussion and included a series of live polls to gauge delegates’ views on different aspects of the decarbonisation challenge. The session continues with two presentations from BCECA member companies, Aker Solutions and Kent, reviewing progress on UK energy transformation projects.
Introduction by BCECA Chair Mark Stanton
Opening Keynote - Lord Ravensdale
Session 1 – Case Studies – The reality of energy transition projects to date
Experience of importing low-carbon design and build expertise into the UK
Matt Wills - Kent
Carbon capture power generation - Capabilities and Cultures
Grant Smith - Aker Solutions
Session 2 – Managing the energy transformation safely
The meeting examined the process safety implications of low-carbon technologies. ERM's Simon Burwood chaired the session, which featured presentations from the IChemE Safety Centre and BCECA member Petrofac.
Introduction - Simon Burwell, ERM
Craig White - IChemE Safety Centre
Design considerations for intermediate CO2 storage in the CCUS value chain
Helen Fennell - Petrofac
Panel discussion and audience Q&A
Session 3 – The hard yards – commercial models, supply chain and construction
Hannah Lainton, from member company McDermott, chaired the final morning session. The conversation featured presentations from the Association of Cost Engineers, Fluor, Worley and Taylor Woodrow, followed by questions from the floor and a panel discussion.
Introduction - Hannah Lainton, McDermott
Christine McLean and Michelle Banner – ACostE
John McColl- Worley
Dario Rigaud – Fluor
Jez Haskins- Taylor Woodrow
Panel discussion and audience Q&A
Session 4 – Getting the best of our most important resource, people
After a virtual lunch break, the proceedings resumed with an in-depth look at the skills challenges the push for Net Zero presented. The session, sponsored by Organic P&O Solutions and chaired by Aker Solutions, Paula Smith, commenced with a keynote presentation from Energy Institute CEO Nick Wayth. Nick’s remarks sparked a lively conversation with contributions from the ECITB’s Andy Brown, Darren Sutherland of the International Association of Drilling Contractors, Tolani Azeez from Fluor and Emily Stewart from Centuro Global.
Introduction - Paula Smith, Aker Solutions
Keynote contribution - Nick Wayth, Energy Institute
Panel discussion and audience Q&A
Session 5 – Sharing best practice for seamless project execution
The conference concluded with a selection of best practice case studies from various BCECA members, including Fluor, KRB, McDermott and Petrofac with Worley's Oroma Oyewole in the chair.
Introduction - Oroma Oyewole, Worley
Alex Haynes – Petrofac
Jason Barlow – Fluor
John Kennedy – McDermot
Nikunj Panchal – KBR
Panel discussion and audience Q&A
Concluding remarks and conference overview
A wrap-up of the key points that had emerged during the day was offered by BCECA CEO Tracey Shelley. Tracey then closes the event with a vote of thanks,
Tracey Shelley – BCECA
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