Overview

For the UK to achieve its net-zero ambitions by 2050, significant changes in energy systems and industries will be required. The transition will have considerable implications on existing industrial sectors, but will also create new opportunities for those employed in such sectors and future generations of engineers. It will require new technologies, significant investment and enabling policy. There will be profound implications for consumers, industry, infrastructure and the engineers who design and drive our economy.

In this roundtable debate, perspectives will be shared on the current status and necessary changes to deliver the transition by invited speakers from:

• industry
• academia
• finance
• policy and regulation.

Following individual introductions, the panellists will be asked a series of moderated questions. Audience questions will also be put to the panellists and an informal networking session will follow.

This first ‘IChemE Energy Transition Debate’ is hosted by the Oil, Gas and Energy Transition Special Interest Group, and the London and South East Coast Member Group. The aim is to stimulate progress in the transition to net zero and to support engineers in navigating the upcoming changes in industry.

Speakers

Michael Foley, EU & UK Low Carbon Solutions Executive, ExxonMobil

Michael has spent over 23 years working globally for ExxonMobil in upstream engineering and operations leadership positions, focussing on expanding ExxonMobil's low carbon portfolio, advancing hydrogen and carbon capture initiatives, and driving policy advocacy to support decarbonization efforts. Michael has also been an upstream advisor in ExxonMobil’s Corporate Investor Relations function.

By collaborating with local executives and trade associations, he aims to foster industry growth and enable emissions reductions across Europe and the UK. Since 2022, Michael has led the growth of ExxonMobil’s low carbon solutions business in the UK and recently Europe, establishing pivotal projects like the Solent Cluster Hydrogen and CCS initiatives. These efforts have united over 140 entities in the Southern UK with a shared goal of reducing emissions and driving economic progress.

A Chartered Engineer (CEng) with expertise in hydrogen, CCUS, and energy policy, Michael is committed to advancing sustainable solutions that align with net-zero ambitions.

Allan Baker, MD, Societe Generale

Allan has worked at Societe Generale for 18 years and has been involved in the power sector for more than 30 years, initially as an engineer and then in finance. During his career he has advised on and/or financed power projects in Europe, MENA, the US and Asia, and in sectors ranging from green-field renewable energy, through gas and coal, to the acquisition of large international power portfolios.

Allan has extensive experience in the clean energy sector, including taking a leading role in the offshore wind sector. Recently he has acted as financial advisor to a floating wind project, Dudgeon (400MW) and London Array (630MW) in the UK and the successful Borssele III&IV bid (700MW) in the Netherlands. He also advised an Asian client on the successful acquisition of an equity stake in a 900MW offshore wind development in Europe. 

David Simmonds, Independent energy professional

David is a retired, seasoned energy professional, now contributing to the discussions on our energy transition. He graduated with a honours degree (chemical engineering) from Imperial College, London. After four years contracting, David joined Shell International, where his career progressed through project engineering / development / management to asset management, working in the UK, Malaysia, Netherlands and Gabon.

After joining BG Group in 2000, David led BG’s project, contracting, and engineering management teams. He subsequently spent two years as AGM for BG’s interests in Kazakhstan, two years leading BG’s interests in a Nigerian LNG development, before moving to Nigeria as COO responsible for execution of a deep-water drilling campaign. His final years were spent in Egypt delivering all aspects of BG's extensive deep-water gas and LNG programme.

Paul Fennell, Professor, Imperial College London

Paul obtained his degree in chemical engineering and PhD from the University of Cambridge. He chairs IChemE's Energy Conversion subject panel, and was a previous member of the International Energy Authority High-Temperature Solid Looping Cycles Network Executive. He has written reports for the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) on future technologies for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and carbon capture readiness.

Paul is also the joint director of Imperial College’s Centre for Carbon Capture and Storage and is the research area champion for industrial CO2 capture and storage for the UK CO2 Capture and Storage Research Centre. He has published 40 + papers since 2005.

Time

18:30–21:00 GMT.

Price

• IChemE member: Free
• Non-member: £10.00