Overview

IChemE President Nigel Hirst will describe IChemE's vision as an Institution as to how we should approach the question of clean energy, giving pointers on future direction for chemical engineers and the CESIG in particular.

Geraint Evans, CESIG Chair, will present a review of the CESIG's activities and achievements and describe the plan for activities in this next year.

Committee vacancies

Volunteering is a great way to develop personal skills and network with other professionals, as well as the opportunity to positively support the advancement of chemical engineering. It is widely accepted that volunteering will help you meet new people, learn new skills, contribute to your continuing professional development (CPD), and even advance your career.

The committee are seeking nominations for the position of Treasurer prior to the annual meeting. Role descriptors for these positions can be found on the Volunteering opportunities page.

To nominate yourself or someone else for a committee position, please complete this form. Please note that all applicants for these positions must be a member of IChemE and be/become a member of the Special Interest Group.

Closing date for nominations: 15 April 2024, 17:00 BST.

Speakers

Nigel Hirst, IChemE President

Nigel has been involved in process design and project management for many years, including responsibility for plant operations in the UK and Asia. His background in speciality chemicals, activated carbon and ion exchange resin manufacture equipped him well for his role in running a diverse group of companies. He has been an employee of large public companies, private companies and has led a successful management buyout.

As CEO of Haden Freeman Group he was responsible for companies operating in consultancy, design and build, risk management, lean process improvement, facilities management, and manufacture of fired heaters and flare tips. Manufacturing sectors served include chemical, environmental management, nuclear, oil and gas, and pharmaceutical. Projects have been carried out in many parts of the world, with a long and successful track record.

He maintains a keen interest in the higher education sector and was a member of the Industrial Advisory Board of a large UK university's chemical engineering department, performing a small role as facilitator during a major reorganisation. He has also been a trustee/chair of trustees of several charities over several decades, in the fields of music, education and social mobility. He is a passionate believer that opportunities in education and entry to professions should be open to all, not the preserve of the privileged few. He also brings experience of the financial services sector, having had the role of local chairman at Yorkshire Bank for ten years.

Geraint Evans, Clean Energy SIG Chair

Geraint is a Chartered Engineer with over 35 years’ experience in the energy industries, gained in the coal, oil, heavy chemicals, renewables and research fields. He is a Fellow of IChemE; a member of the Energy Institute; and a member of the SCI. Geraint holds the APM project management qualification and a PhD from the University of Aston.

Originally educated and trained as a fuels and energy technologist with British Coal, his work has always been centred at the interface between energy production and utilisation - his interests therefore range from the upstream through to utilisation downstream. Key technical interests include biomass, bioenergy, biofuels, BECCS, emerging conversion technologies including gasification and electro-fuels, carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and whole energy systems strategies.

After five years working for the Energy Technologies Institute leading the bioenergy programme followed by five years running his own consultancy businesses, Geraint is now retired, and works as a volunteer leading the IChemE’s Clean Energy Special Interest Group, improving the energy performance of his local village hall and as a bandsman with the Beverley Brass Band.

Time

09:00–11:00 BST.

Software

The presentation will be delivered via GoToWebinar®. Check system requirements.

You are advised to join the webinar at least ten minutes before the scheduled start time, to allow for your computer to connect.