17.01.22 - 18.01.22
Summit
This programme of activity looked at how we can provide core infrastructure and a sustainable quality of life to citizens and what it might feel like to live there.
AGENDA
Our professional Event Host for 17th and 18th January was Clare Forestier
17th January 2022
09:00 – 10:00 (UK – GMT) / 13:00 – 14:00 (UAE – GST)
Do we have enough resources to live in 2050?
Speakers include:
Chair: Professor Sir Jim McDonald, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and Principal & Vice-Chancellor at University of Strathclyde
Panellists:
- Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Champion UK Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC) and Associate Principal (Global Sustainability), Heriot-Watt University
- Professor Dave Worsley FIMMM, Personal Chair, Swansea University
The session focused on the UK’s policy and approach to building a sustainable place in which to live. The panel discussed how the UK is investing in the skills and technologies to deliver the vision as well as the wider issues around economics, resources and living within planetary boundaries. They considered collaborations that need to be developed around the issues of access to clean water, the circular economy and the Energy Trilema.
The panel shared their views and contrasted different approaches identifying the learnings so far gathered and where we need to prioritise our investment to ensure we have the resources to live in the future.
10:30 – 11:30 (UK – GMT) / 14:30 – 15:30 (UAE – GST)
Sustaining a higher quality of life in the future through minimising waste
Speakers include:
Chair: Richard Swannell, International Director, WRAP UK
Panellists:
- Michael Groves, Founder and CEO, Topolytics
- Gareth Hawthorne, Head of Innovation, Kiverco
- Dr Ana Winters, Senior Research Scientist, Aberystwyth University
This session looked at the challenges and opportunities of a circular economy focusing on waste. Since 2013 rates for both household waste recycling and recycling rates in construction have plateaued. There needs to be better quantity and quality in recycling, and more investment in domestic recycled materials markets to create a viable circular economy. The panel explored experiences from different parts of the circular economy focussing on the waste management sector and showcasing UK expertise in developing waste solutions.
12:00 – 13:00 (UK – GMT) / 16:00 – 17:00 (UAE – GST)
The future of nuclear energy in a carbon-constrained world
Speakers include:
Chair: Robin Grimes, Chief Scientific Adviser, Ministry of Defence
Panellists:
- Chris Kelsall, CEO, Tokamak Energy
- Chris White, Director External Affairs, U-Battery
- Harry Keeling, Head of Industrial Market Strategy, SMR, Rolls Royce UK (small modular nuclear reactors)
This session discussed how various UK companies are searching for innovative solutions to meet rapidly growing global energy demands in a carbon constrained world. Advances in both fission (SMR) and fusion nuclear and the implications of these advances will be considered.
The UK’s electricity demands are currently met by power generated in various ways: nuclear; fossil fuels; and renewables, but there is a huge challenge ahead. Now is an appropriate time to take a fresh look at nuclear, given advances in inherently safer technologies, a sharpened focus on the need to reduce CO2 emissions in the energy sector, and challenges of cost and public perceptions of safety. Nuclear is the most affordable large-scale, low carbon energy source available to the UK and the world.
13:30 - 14:30 (UK - GMT) / 17:30 - 18:30 (UAE - GST)
A safe operating space for humanity (What does Net Zero look like to me?)
Speakers include:
Chair: Rachel Skinner, former President, Institution of Civil Engineers and Executive Director (Transport), WSP
Panellists:
- Simon Bradbury MA (cantab) DipArch RIBA ARB FHEA, Pro Vice-Chancellor International/Dean, Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities, De Montfort University
- Sabrin Rahman, Managing Director and Head of Sustainability for Europe and the Middle East, HSBC
- Louise Kingham CBE, Senior Vice President, Europe and UK Head of Country, bp
- Juliette White, Vice President for Global SHE & Operations Sustainability, AstraZeneca (International)
- Edward Daniels, Executive Vice President of Strategy, Portfolio & Environment, Shell plc
- Luke Tapp, Partner - Operations Partner for the Middle East Region, Pinsent Maisons
This session included contributions from different sectors on what achieving Net Zero will mean for their business and as well as discussion on what they can learn from each other.
18TH JANUARY 2022
09:00 – 10:00 (UK – GMT) / 13:00 – 14:00 (UAE – GST)
Will there be enough drinking water in the future?
Speakers include:
Chair: Lila Thompson, Chief Executive, British Water
Panellists:
- Professor Nidal Hilal, Founding Director of the Centre for Water Advanced Technologies and Environmental Research, Swansea University and Director of NYUAD Water Research Centre
- Dale Colley, Director, Altitude Thinking
- Louise Bleach, Development and Impact Lead, Desolenator
- Cate Lamb, Global Director, Water Security, CDP
This session focused on how we will deliver water services in a changing world. Global changes to weather patterns require all Governments to adapt their water services. In the UK, regulation of the water industry is driving the innovations needed by this and the requirement to meet Net Zero targets. The panel considered how the UK can help others to address these challenges by sharing our leading expertise and innovations around the world.
10:30 – 12:00 (UK – GMT) / 14:30 – 16:00 (UAE – GST)
Age of smart city? – technology as an enabler for Net Zero living
Speakers include:
Chair: Dr Jacqui Taylor, CEO of FlyingBinary and Smart Cities Advisor to HM Government
Panellists:
- Hiroki Habuka, Deputy Director for Global Digital Governance, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan
- Gauri Singh, Deputy Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency
- Don McLean, Founder & CEO, Integrated Environmental Solutions Ltd.
- Irene McAleese, Co-Founder & CSO, See.Sense
Smart cities use Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors to gather and analyse information across infrastructure. This helps city authorities to intelligently manage their assets, increase efficiencies, revolutionise transport, reduce costs, and in theory, enhance overall quality of life for residents. The session included panellists from countries integrating technology into their Smart City/Sustainable community plans, and discussion focused on how these technologies are working to enable net zero developments.
12:15 – 13:15 (UK – GMT) / 16:15 – 17:15 (UAE – GST)
Mining and minerals needed for Net Zero
Speakers include:
Chair: Rohitesh Dhawan, President & Chief Executive Officer, International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM)
Panellists:
- Professor Dave Worsley FIMMM, Personal Chair, Swansea University
- Dr Kathryn Goodenough, Principal Geologist, BGS
- Nigel Steward, Chief Scientist, Rio Tinto
This session explored how we can balance our insatiable need for natural resources to power future innovations with our net zero ambitions. In 2017, the World Bank published “The Growing Role of Minerals and Metals for a Low Carbon Future”, which concluded that to realise a lower-carbon future there will be a substantial increase in demand for several key minerals and metals to manufacture cleaner energy technologies. In other words, the clean energy transition will be significantly mineral intensive. While the growing demand for minerals and metals provides economic opportunities for resource-rich developing countries and private sector entities, significant challenges will likely emerge if the climate-driven clean energy transition is not managed responsibly and sustainably.