Over 80 delegates came together, in person and online for the HIDN, sponsored by The University of Hull, Apprentice Employment Agency and RAS.

Chair, Joe Howe, Net Zero Humber Professor, University of Lincoln opened the event and thanked sponsors.

First to speak was Professor Mohamed Pourkashanian, Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) University of Sheffield, who discussed opportunities for SAF in the Humber Industrial Cluster.  Prof Pourkashanian introduced SAF and what it is – a low carbon alternative to jet fuel. SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emission by up to 70-80%. He discussed SAF production pathways and explained that SAF is an opportunity to reduce dependence on fragile supply networks – however SAF remains more expensive than jet fuel. He highlighted that the Humber matters as there is no other region in the UK that is better placed – industrial infrastructure, skilled workforce and CCS and hydrogen networks. He discussed the policy and government support such as the SAF mandate, AFF fund, and commercialisation pipeline. And presented the NEXTGEN-SAF case study, which aims to build the world’s first demonstration plant, including the challenges for SAF projects, only 1-20 SAF projects reach FID. He gave advice on how to ensure your project is successful, suggests a combination of policy, partnerships and project structure including the right feedstocks and the right infrastructure. Profs final point – The Humber does not need to wait!

After questions, Jade Fernandez, SSE then presented their Mission H2 Power R&D Programme. First Jade introduced the SSE drive to electrification, including networks, renewables and flexibility and the SSE Thermal network and the opportunity to decarbonise.  Jade then discussed the Humber Hydrogen programme with Centrica, Equinor and National Gas.  Jade then passed to Sue Beveridge, head of project engineering, who discussed the challenges of gas turbine technology, explaining why they need significant re-engineering of combustion systems, balancing performance, operability and fuel flexibility – Hydrogen and natural gas blends.  Next Sue discussed developing flexible, hydrogen ready power generation for deployment in this decade, and unlocking large scale hydrogen testing. Sue finished with hydrogen power is critical to a secure, net zero electricity system.

After coffee and networking, Oliver Orlik, SBTi, discussed their Science Based Targets Initiative. Oliver introduced the SBTi and advised that 13,270+ organisations have science based targets and commitments, with 91% of companies reporting targets have an overall positive impact on their organisation.  SBT is the first step for many organisations looking to reach net zero – which includes near term targets in the next 5-10 years and long term targets to be net zero by 2050. Oliver introduced their new standard to help companies take meaningful action and maximise the impact of SBT, and how to start and set targets – two routes, corporate and SME route. He discussed the methods, cross sector standards and sector specific standards and guidance. Oliver advised that the journey on average will take around 2 years to announce the target and inform stakeholders. Finally, Oliver signposted to SBTi free online academy.

Our last speaker, Sarah Duckering, University of Hull gave an update on the Local Innovation Partnership Fund (LIPF).  A brand new triple helix funding scheme – public sector, university and industry.  The LIPF initial bid focuses on industrial opportunity, to support places to increase their competitive advantage.  Government wanted to identify key regions, for innovative excellence. HEYCA, Universities of Hull & Lincoln and CATCH put in a bid, as did Teeside.  We were invited by UKRI to proceed with a joint bid for up to £30m, over 5 years. The money is secure, so long as we can put forward a coherent, Industry led, and industry match funded, pipeline of projects to put before UKRI for project approval.  Sarah advised that they are working though what a good project looks like across the regions, such as derisking anchor projects, cluster and ecosystem growth and R&D infrastructure development.  Please reach out to katie.hedges@catchuk.org if you are interested in the programme.

The event closed with lunch and networking with our sponsors.