Why I’m optimistic about a green recovery
It has become redundant to suggest that it’s been a tough year. ‘Tough’ doesn’t seem to convey the difficulties, the sadness and worry that many of us have experienced. I know what has got me through the difficult days has been the care and kindness shown by those around me and I’ve seen how colleagues have supported each other through the challenges of the year. I have also seen how differently we have been able to work. These are things I hope we retain going forward.
Despite the devastating impact of the pandemic, in terms of energy transition, 2020 leaves me feeling optimistic that next year has the potential to deliver something very positive. I’d like to share what I think the biggest achievements have been in 2020 and what I think could really make a difference over the next 12 months.
Earlier this year I wrote about three principles I felt should underpin the government’s plans and the opportunity for a green recovery. I now feel encouraged that there is a strong consensus about what a green recovery could look like for the UK and alignment on the actions that need to be taken.
It's also been significant that the Government’s policy and funding announcements have maintained a sharp focus on delivering net zero. The Prime Minister’s recent Ten Point Plan, and now a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) that would make the UK one of the first countries globally to bring its domestic emissions into line with a 1.5°C limit, both demonstrate real ambition.
If the government goes on to accept the full recommendations of this week’s Committee on Climate Change (CCC)’s Report, there is the exciting possibility of a new ‘net zero economy’.
So, it’s great to see the increased ambition from government. It will, of course, be critical that business and government work together on a comprehensive plan that will deliver this, so that ambition becomes action. I remain positive that it will. When I look ahead into 2021, my optimism is based on three things:
1. Our industry’s level of ambition: In June OGUK published its pathway to becoming a net zero emissions basin by 2050. This positioned the offshore oil and gas industry as one of the first sectors in the UK to commit to industry-wide targets and provide details on how they will be achieved. At Shell, we too announced a new global ambition: to become a net zero energy business by 2050 or sooner, in step with society. We know our business plans need to change to make this happen and in February next year we will provide an update on how this will be achieved;
2. As co-hosts of COP26, the eyes of the world will be on the UK in 2021. This presents the UK with a great opportunity, and responsibility, to show the world how, in collaboration with business, industry and consumers, net zero can be delivered;
3. Continued policy momentum: I look forward to a number of important policy milestones, like the Hydrogen Strategy and the Transport Decarbonisation Plan, which will give business greater clarity and the confidence to invest.
I believe this is all possible. 2020 has shown us what can be achieved when the stakes are high. And there are no higher stakes than climate change.
In the meantime, as we pause and take a breath before the new year starts, I do hope you are able to rest and spend time with loved ones and re-energise for the year ahead.
Find out more about our response to climate change.
Global marine manager at Shell (Retired), now helping to establish Eagle Access
3ySinead I like your positivity but looking at the comments below you have a lot of nae sayers to convince. You really need to start showing intend and proving you are a company for the future.
Lead Innovator - Hypuljet Ltd UK
3ySinead L. Is this just another of the PR stunts of the likes of Shell and other bid money -- Earth Start - we will invest in new innovation - Wow - $ millions to Fushion -- after 20 -years - three major projects at cost of multi billion and managed to hold the plasma for 8 seconds -- Do they realise how silly it all looks China just switch on its Artificial Sun plant millions of degrees - how long will it last with those temperatures. So OK Sinead L if Shell is serious - they are quite welcome to support... but it will not ne the case of - Input money - take control - shut project down. You and Shell have a clear credibility issue -- in the clean energy sector --
"That Optimism Man"
3yGood to see your optimism, Sinead Lynch! What makes you optimistic, personally?
Strategic Advisor for Energy Transition
3yWell done Sinead Lynch and Shell for advancing the prospect of a successful evolution to #netzero. Particularly in the face of cries for a revolution - revolutions throughout human history have been violent, destructive and worth missing
Lead Innovator - Hypuljet Ltd UK
3ySinead, You have taken a job/role to defend the indefensible. If Shell are honest and truthful lets see it is reality -- I have a concept for a new type rotary engine which is Zero emissions Hydrogen fueled. Planned initial modeling at Technical University Berlin €1,250,000 = planned Crowd Fund with full development and company costs to 2025 a 2nd round Crowd Fund for a further €1,250,000 Validation of the engine will lead to the Hypuljet Integrated Hydrogen Power Unit. able to retrofit all vehicles. Obviously the units would need to be scaled to suit the various sixes and type of vehicle. Will also allow Auto makers to fit into their existing platforms. What benefits would this mean to decarbonisation -- Lagacy Auto maker = 90,000,000 units produced 2019 Clear that a new engine could bring about Affordable Zero emissions EVs and meet the need to produce 80,000,000 units per year. OEMs Retrofitting their own existing on the road petrol/diesel vehicles will be proactive and to cut GHG emissions at speed and not wait for trade ins to get a Zero emissions EV on the road. When it comes to trading in the Retrofitted H2 EVs they will have a trade in value, not just a scrap value , which would see people hang onto petrol vehicles far longer Sinead - if Shell are serious - here is the challenge Hypuljet IHPU will produce the H2 - O2 fuel on board the EV = the iPhone moment in Decarbonisation of Global Transport It is not too difficult to see that the vehicle IHPU unit would be adapted as a Combined Heat and Power Unit to take houses off grid and provide heat/cooling/ energy for houses in countries which do not have a Grid Completely different Business model, it will happen, either Hypuljet or some other method or technology; the crucial factor will be Affordable to the consumer and even better if there is Added Value. Betomax v VHS In my uncluttered view, with the right will to cut GHG emissions to Net Zero, the 2050 target is easy to attain, in fact it can be reached 10 years earlier, It is a matter for those people who made massive profits out Fossil Fuels to accept that they are continuing the problem when there is exceptional potential to make matters right.