Future Models – Sustainable Energy

In this interview series, we engage on a journey across the UK & Ireland, looking for the energy solutions of the future. Are there any sustainable solutions to cover our energy demand? What energy sources will we use in the future and how will the future power grid look?

Hear Mike Dick, CEO, Ardagh Glass Packaging discuss how their NextGen Hybrid Furnace is a game changer in the glass industry. Replacing gas with robust renewable energy solutions including solar and hydrogen along with recycling and reducing raw materials input will realize their goal of using 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Listen to Julia Pyke, Joint Managing Director Sizewell C discuss the positive impact that Sizewell C will have on the local supply chain, community and workforce today and in the future. With an estimated 4 billion pounds generated in to the regional economy, Sizewell C will provide 7% of the UK’s electricity via low carbon power supply.

Listen to John Waldron, Head of Power CCUS Policy Development Team, Department for Energy, Security & Net Zero discuss the strategies that are being developed to include CCUS technology as part of the energy mix to meet 2050 net zero targets. The UK government is developing policies to support this technology as it sees it as an important part in decarbonising the energy system of the future. 

Listen to Max Brown, VP Technology, Aerospace, GKN, discuss GKN’s ambition to achieve zero carbon flight. Innovative technologies used in electric and hydrogen powered aircraft bring challenges around accessing skills and technical expertise, but with the right partnerships net zero can be achieved!

Hear Professor Ioannis Brilakis, Laing O’Rourke Professor of Civil & Information Engineering, University of Cambridge discuss how enabling construction with digital twins will allow for a greater impact on energy efficiency. Underpinned by sustainability we need to consider the asset physically and digitally at all phases of the asset's life cycle. 

Hear Alasdair Young discuss how Buro Happold is supporting the decarbonisation of cities, communities and campuses by providing design solutions to their clients to reach their energy & net zero goals. Tackling how much energy we waste, decarbonising the heat sector, and using policy to encourage new skills into the built environment will help reach those targets.

Listen to John Poli, Manufacturing Operations Director, UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) talk about UKBIC's role in generating a solid transition for the battery industry. With an estimated need for 10 gigafactories in the UK, by 2040, they are facilitating collaboration onsite with industry, vendors and universities to drive this change.

​​​​​​​Hear David Homfray, CTO, Space Solar, discuss the acceleration of the space-based solar power program using technologies and components that already exist. Investment in early risk programmes like space-based solar power alongside existing low carbon energy generation, and with international collaboration, will support the net zero journey both in the UK and globally.

Listen to Graeme Cooper, Fellow of the Energy Institute and Global VP, Energy Transition – Cross Market Solutions, UK/Europe, Jacobs, discuss the role the consumer plays in the energy transition, the importance of energy flexibility and how to be smarter with our energy. 

Listen to Dr. Ben Silverstone, Director WMG Skills Centre, discuss what the future skills will look like in the energy sector. With 50% of the workforce for 2050 already in employment, and roles being created that never existed before, discover why companies absolutely need to be investing in the skills for the future now.

Hear Heather Lewtas, Head of Innovation at UKAEA, discuss how fusion is a safe, low carbon solution to the world’s energy needs and how the UK STEP programme is leading the way in making it commercially viable.  

Hear Laura Sandys, Chair of the UK Government’s Energy Data and Digitalisation Taskforces, talk about three key areas that will allow for the decarbonisation of the economy; skills, storage and the digital underpinning of the energy system