How can the UK transition to an affordable, secure and sustainable energy s...

‘How can the UK transition to an affordable, secure and sustainable energy system?’

Andrew Haslett, Chief Engineer, Energy Technologies Institute (ETI)

Abstract: Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are now higher than they have been for at least a million years, probably much longer. This is unambiguously due to human activity. The overwhelming majority of scientific opinion is that this poses an existential threat to our current way of life. Even when people accept the reality of this challenge, there is limited agreement on whether and how it is possible to dramatically improve the greenhouse gas balance while still using energy to meet our needs. At the Energy Technologies Institute we have been charged with developing and demonstrating technologies that have a real chance of forming part of the answer. Our analysis is conclusive – it is possible, even if the best pathway is still unclear. What is less clear is how to engage all of us as consumers, taxpayers and voters in the many central, regional and personal decisions that will be involved in preparing for and achieving this transition.

Andrew Haslett is the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) Chief Engineer after having joined the ETI as Director of Strategy Development in April 2008 from ICI plc, where he was Group Science & Technology Director (Measurement & Modelling). Andrew has been involved in process and product technology development for 30 years, leading a range of research and engineering groups. His experience covers a very wide range of technologies from large scale high hazard process plant engineering to developing electronic materials, and also a broad range of industrial and consumer applications. He has experience of development, design and operation of large scale plant and also of technology licensing and the sale of technology based services. At ICI, he was responsible for the development of the Group Technology Strategy and for assisting businesses to measure and improve their application of technology to innovation. Andrew graduated from Cambridge University with a BA in Chemical Engineering. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, of the Institution of Chemical Engineers and the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce and a Chartered Engineer.