Andrew Hodgson

This post highlights significant differences in perspectives between the UK and the US regarding the future and scalability of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. Innovate UK’s report, launched by Mike Biddle underscores a strong belief in hydrogen’s potential within the UK market, anticipating a substantial industry growth to a £1 trillion annual market by 2050. This optimistic outlook is supported by insights from numerous businesses and sector bodies, suggesting a robust framework for innovation and development in hydrogen technologies. Contrastingly, the view from the US, as detailed by the National Petroleum Council (NPC), presents a more cautious and sobering perspective. The NPC report, spurred by a request from U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm, indicates that under current policies, the US is unlikely to meet its net-zero emissions goals with the projected growth of the hydrogen industry. This report highlights the need for significant changes in federal support and policy adjustments to expedite the growth of the hydrogen industry, particularly concerning the production capacities and infrastructure required to support both 'green' and 'blue' hydrogen at the scale needed for substantial emission reductions. These contrasting perspectives underline a global divergence in confidence and strategy towards hydrogen’s role in the future energy landscape. The UK’s aggressive push may serve as a bellwether for other nations, while the US’s cautious approach highlights the challenges and the scale of investment needed to realise hydrogen’s potential fully. Both viewpoints provide valuable insights into the complexity of transitioning to a hydrogen-based energy economy, emphasising the need for tailored policies that can adapt to rapid technological advancements and varying national contexts. <Source: https://lnkd.in/etY4rYwM> #hydrogen #policy

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Peter Italiano and Huw Sullivan speak about hydrogen as an energy vector and the role of High Value Manufacturing Catapult in the energy transition manufacturing technologies. Alongside Lahiru Ranasinghe of easyJet the case for energy storage and distribution to airports is key for Net Zero aviation. #HVMC #Sustainability #Hydrogen #H2 #LH2 #SustainableAviation

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CATAGEN's ClimaHtech SAF Lead Dr. Andrea Ahern spoke about achieving Net Zero in Aviation and Aerospace at Farnborough International Airshow just a few weeks ago. In case you missed the panel session, Andrea gave us insight into the key trends and outlook of decarbonisation in the aviation and aerospace industries, and how CATAGEN’s ClimaHtech E-FUEL GEN technology can contribute to this. E-FUEL GEN produces a range of e-fuels, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and e-diesel, by combining renewable hydrogen and sustainable carbon dioxide using renewable electricity. CATAGEN is a net-zero technologies company based in Belfast, whose purpose is to clean and decarbonise the air. CATAGEN recently was announced as the first to submit SAF to the newly established EU Clearing House. Read more about Andrea's insights here 👉 https://hubs.ly/Q02KVSvt0 #tocleananddecarbonisetheair #efuels #SAF #FIA2024 #sustainableaviationfuel

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How about a Clearing House for SAF in China? Or South East Asia? I’ve had a relationship with Ricardo plc for nearly thirty years variously as employee, consultant or customer and they do really important technical work I am proud to have been part of. #SAF #sustainableaviation #sustainableaviationfuel #sustainablefinance #climatechange

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We discuss how the decarbonisation tsunami brings both opportunity and challenge to the aerospace industry. ANT Industries Ltd MD Shaun Rowley states the urgency and necessity of decarbonisation for the health of our planet. “The manufacturing sector has a critical role to play in reducing carbon emissions. It’s not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a moral obligation to future generations,” he states. However, Rowley also points out the substantial challenges that come with this transition, particularly for smaller firms. “Decarbonisation brings a tsunami of implications for smaller companies. The costs associated with new technologies, the need for specialised skills, and the overhaul of existing processes can be overwhelming.” Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/erXq2JKg #Decarbonisation #Sustainability #ANTIndustries #ManufacturingInnovation #GreenTechnology #BatteryTechnology #GreenFuel #AeroEngines #GasTurbines #EnvironmentalResponsibility #ManufacturingSector #EngineeringExcellence #FutureOfManufacturing #CleanEnergy #IndustryLeadership #ResilientManufacturing #SustainableFuture #CarbonReduction #TechDiversification #WarwickshireIndustry

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Vertical Aerospace's VX4 achieves major milestone as financial challenges continue ✈️🎉 Despite needing to raise capital to fund operations, Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace which is pushing the boundaries of electric, zero-emissions aviation, has announced its “Flightpath 2030,” strategy for market leadership before the end of the decade. Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: "“This is a transformational moment for Vertical as we advance from prototype to production. Since I became CEO, I’ve been clear that I want Vertical to lead — not just compete in — the eVTOL sector. "The strategy and goals we unveiled today provide a new level of detail on how exactly we intend to get there – the best team, delivering the safest and most versatile aircraft, with the most compelling business model in the industry.” Continue reading... https://lnkd.in/eG4ygpcB #milestone #aviation #technology #innovation #finance #investing #bristolnews #bristolhour #businessnews #businessintelligence

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Titilope Aigoro, and Andrew Roseman of Reaction Engines share the milestone with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions supported by Aerospace Technology Institute - Successful vibration and shock tests on Project FRESSON brings zero carbon flight a step closer. Reaction Engines and CAeS have reached an important milestone in their collaboration on Project FRESSON. Successful vibration and shock tests have shown that our radiator meets the requirements to operate safely – paving the way for further ground and flight testing. FRESSON addresses a critical obstacle in the journey toward hydrogen-electric flight: thermal management. It marks a significant stride in advancing the feasibility of hydrogen-electric propulsion in aviation. “This period of testing is the culmination of a lot of work for the project team in the design and manufacture of the unit. Getting the hardware tested and showing it meets the customer requirements is a big step forward for the project,” states Andrew Roseman, Senior Systems and Test Engineer at Reaction Engines. The Challenge: In traditional, combustion-based aircraft powertrains, the majority of the waste heat is dissipated in the high-temperature stream of exhaust gases produced by the engine. Hydrogen fuel cells, in contrast, produce significant amounts of low-grade heat which must be removed from the stack. This presents a unique engineering challenge. Using conventional methods for this heat rejection from hydrogen fuel cells would result in large, heavy heat exchangers, imposing mass and drag penalties that would compromise aircraft range and performance. A Collaborative Solution: FRESSON embraces an iterative collaboration model between CAeS and technology partners Reaction Engines. This approach ensures that each component is optimized within the context of the overall system design, fostering a holistic solution to thermal management. “CAeS & Reaction Engines work collaboratively at every stage of the project. Together, we’ve guided this testing phase, witnessing firsthand the promising results that have unfolded. Our shared enthusiasm for these advancements drives us further toward our collective goal of achieving zero-emissions flight,” shares Titilope Aigoro, Senior Airworthiness & Certification Engineer at Cranfield Aerospace Solutions. Game-Changing Technology: Central to the project’s success is the adoption of microtube radiators – game-changing thermal management technology developed by Reaction Engines. These radiators, utilizing mixed counter-crossflow to maximize efficiency, represent a shift in heat exchanger architecture. The collaboration has resulted in a lightweight, efficient radiator capable of rejecting over 300 kW of low-grade waste heat while minimizing mass & drag penalties. Through a shared vision, multidisciplinary expertise, and a relentless commitment to excellence, FRESSON’s goal is to pave the way for the world’s first truly green, passenger-carrying airline services by 2027.

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Exciting Opportunities & Challenges for Reaction Engines Reaction Engines Ltd, the UK-based aerospace pioneer, is at a critical juncture as it seeks to raise up to £20 million to secure its future and push forward with its groundbreaking SABRE engine technology. Key details include: • Funding Need: Reaction Engines is seeking between £15 million and £20 million to provide essential working capital for the next 18 months, allowing them to fulfil contracts and explore new revenue streams. • Strategic Investors: The company has already raised over £150 million, including £40 million from the UAE-backed Strategic Development Fund in 2023. Other key investors include BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, which together hold 24% of the company. • SABRE Technology: The SABRE engine is a hybrid jet and rocket engine capable of powering hypersonic vehicles, enabling speeds of over five times the speed of sound. Central to the technology is a pre-cooling system that prevents overheating. • Commercial Growth: Reaction Engines has more recently explored applications of its cooling technology in other industries, such as energy, quadrupling its commercial revenues last year. • Potential Administration: The company has warned that without successful fundraising, it could face administration. PwC has been put on standby for this possibility. • Strategic Military Project: Reaction Engines is also part of a UK-led project, HVX, focused on reusable hypersonic air vehicle technology, in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, the RAF, and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. • Market Uncertainty: While the technology is groundbreaking, questions remain about the size of the market for hypersonic vehicles, particularly in the UK, with constraints on the defence budget and strategic reviews underway. • Future Outlook: Supporters argue that the technology holds strategic value, especially as other nations invest heavily in hypersonics. The UK government has expressed its commitment to monitoring and supporting the company’s capabilities. As the aerospace landscape evolves, Reaction Engines remains at the forefront of innovation, with significant opportunities but also challenges ahead. #Aerospace #Hypersonic #SABRE #ReactionEngines #Innovation #Technology #Investment #SpaceTech #SustainableAviation

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https://lnkd.in/egnEPPFE A huge amount of work over many years from lots of people has got us to this point. The UK SAF mandate will come into force in 2025, with the details published today, whilst the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom is also unveiling its consultation into a SAF revenue certainty mechanism. The mandate will be the key driver of demand for SAF between now and 2040, accompanied by a RCM that will help to accelerate domestic supply of SAF and make compliance with the mandate easier. This is not the end of the journey. Whilst the changes to the HEFA cap are extremely welcome and we thank Ministers for listening, Govt will need to keep a very careful eye on the buy-out price to ensure we are not hitting consumers with disproportionate price rises, using its review mechanism where necessary. It is an undeniable fact too that SAF will be more expensive in the UK than the EU, owing to the support on offer for EU airlines to mitigate the price gap between SAF and kerasine. We now need to see similar support being introduced here. On the RCM, there is still a disconnect between the commitment to having 5 plants under construction by 2025 and current Govt plans to introduce the scheme in 2026. This needs to be addressed, with legislation being introduced no later than the next Kings Speech, following a decision on the scheme design by the end of the year. Airlines support a mandate as a key step in the carbon transition as SAF will be one of the important technologies to achieve our net zero commitments. The alternative to decarbonising is a smaller sector and less choice for passengers. But it must be achieved in a way that keeps UK aviation competitive as we move along that journey and doesn’t leave us exposed to more generous support being offered elsewhere. #airlines #airports #aviation #travel #tourism #aerospace #netzero Department for Business and Trade Anthony Browne Dr Rannia Leontaridi OBE David Silk Holly Greig Debbie Stockwell Claire Swadkin Megan Trethewey Richard Coates Jonathon Counsell Matthew Gorman Andy Jefferson PhD, BSc (Hons) Emma Gilthorpe Rachel Gardner-Poole Graeme Elliott Chris Grayling Henry Smith Graham Brady Peter Lyburn Cathy Mussert Angus Boobbyer Joshua Buckland Richard Moriarty Leigh Hudson Gaynor Hartnell Chris Rumfitt Rob Jeffery

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Ed Miliband MP, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, speech at The Labour Party Conference 2024 suggests - Carbon Capture, Electrolysers for Hydrogen, Next Generation Nuclear Power, and Floating Wind are core to the UK Industrial Strategy <Full Script of Speech: https://lnkd.in/efmf4ZTq> #GBEnergy Department for Energy Security and Net Zero #Hydrogen #CCUS #UK #IndustrialStrategy #Manufacturing #Energy #Strategy #EnergyTransition

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✈️Avoiding the SAF Distraction ⛽️Aerospace OEMs Taking Action on Decarbonisation Through Hydrogen-Electric Solutions Neil Grundon, Chairman of Grundon Waste Management, has raised concerns about the aviation industry's focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), describing it as an “unnecessary diversion” for the waste management sector. He suggests that engine manufacturers are better positioned to tackle the decarbonisation challenge with hydrogen-electric propulsion. Here’s a breakdown of key points: - "The focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is creating an unnecessary diversion for the waste industry and suggests the real solution lies with airline engine manufacturers." - Government policies, including the UK's SAF mandate starting in January 2025, aim to decarbonise air travel. However, Grundon argues that these initiatives could lead to unintended consequences, including price inflation due to demand, which could impact various industries, including waste management. - "I am all for exploring sustainable fuels (we’ve been doing it for years), but I have a theory. Perhaps we should leave new-generation aviation fuels to those who understand the complexities better than we do. By that I mean engine manufacturers and engineers who understand the demands of keeping an aircraft flying using electricity and/or hydrogen propulsion." - Grundon criticises the emphasis on SAF conferences and reports, suggesting that OEMs should focus on more direct solutions to move away from fossil fuels. - "In keeping us all thinking and talking about what 'might be' possible, no one is asking questions of engine manufacturers about what they are actually doing to solve the problem." - He advocates for capturing CO2 post-combustion from Energy from Waste (EfW) plants to manufacture methanol as a more practical near-term solution. Key takeaways: - Hydrogen-electric propulsion systems should be prioritised by OEMs as the real solution to decarbonising aviation. - SAF, while widely discussed, may cause supply chain volatility and divert attention from more sustainable technologies. - Industry and government focus should shift to hydrogen propulsion and advanced engine technologies for meaningful progress. #Aerospace #HydrogenElectric #Decarbonisation #SustainableAviation #AviationInnovation #CleanEnergy #AirlineSustainability #EngineManufacturers #FutureOfFlight #ClimateAction #SAF

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Reaction Engines, a British aerospace innovator, has collapsed into administration after failing to secure critical funding, ending its #Hypersonic flight ambitions. PwC was appointed as administrator and has made 173 of its 208 employees redundant, retaining a few to complete existing orders and assist in winding down operations. Reaction’s innovative cooling technology, used by Mercedes F1 and other Formula One teams, faces potential supply challenges for the 2025 season, with Mercedes in dialogue to secure required hardware. PwC is also assessing the intellectual property of Reaction's cutting-edge technology. Founded in 1989, the company’s Sabre engine aimed to combine jet efficiency with rocket power, crucial for hypersonic speeds. Financial support had dwindled, with key shareholders like BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce unwilling to further invest. The company's downfall also casts uncertainty over a UK-led hypersonic military project, previously backed by Reaction in collaboration with the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. FT: https://lnkd.in/eXqp93Wx #ReactionEngines #Aerospace #HypersonicFlight #Innovation #SabreEngine #PwC #FormulaOne #F1Tech #MercedesF1 #TechFunding #UKAerospace #RollsRoyce #BAESystems #DefenseTech #RocketEngine

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Aerospace Technology Institute #ATIConference on Certification and Regulation Challenges Moderated by Dr. Guy Gratton, Associate Professor of Aviation and the Environment, Cranfield University. Panel Members: ✈️ Harry Armstrong, Head of Sustainability, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ✈️ Michael Cervenka, Chief Technology Officer, Vertical Aerospace ✈️ Jenny Kavanagh, Chief Strategy Officer, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions In response to Mark Westwood’s question about how the UK can use its regulatory system to support innovators in bringing products to market, the panel provided valuable insights on the UK’s strengths and areas for growth. Michael emphasised that the CAA’s innovation team has been crucial in fostering a supportive and collaborative relationship with innovators. Initiatives like the sandboxes and the Hydrogen Challenge have positioned the UK as a leader in aviation regulation. Jenny highlighted the importance of extending these efforts beyond the innovation team—moving the regulatory progress “behind the curtain” into the Design and Certification (DNC) team, to create a more robust and integrated regulatory landscape. He also stressed the need for close collaboration with EASA, underscoring that while the UK CAA is doing impressive work, the ultimate goal should be harmonization of standards across regions. He noted that Vertical Aerospace has been working with both EASA and the CAA since 2019, and that effective collaboration between these regulatory bodies will be critical to avoid unnecessary duplication. EASA’s deep expertise should complement the CAA’s initiatives without slowing down the process by “marking every bit of CAA’s homework.” Harry acknowledged the challenge of rebuilding the CAA’s certification capabilities post-Brexit but noted the strides the innovation team has made, particularly in establishing meaningful working groups and partnerships with industry leaders. The CAA’s sandboxes and open communication channels have allowed them to engage with the wider ecosystem, including airports, MROs, and airlines, addressing not just certification but the broader operational and safety aspects of integrating new technologies like battery systems and hydrogen fuel cells into the aviation system. The panel agreed that the UK is in a prime position to lead globally in aviation innovation due to its proactive regulatory environment, but as Michael pointed out, political will and sustained resources will be necessary to continue this trajectory. The CAA’s role as a bridge between EASA - European Union Aviation Safety Agency and Federal Aviation Administration can ensure the global harmonisation of certification standards, which is essential for the industry’s progress. In conclusion, the UK’s regulatory system, especially through the CAA’s innovation team, provides a powerful tool for supporting UK innovators. #Innovation #Regulators #DestinationZero

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Long-term Confidence Remains Resolute in the UK Aerospace Sector The UK aerospace industry continues remain strong as demonstrated by the the latest figures from ADS, the trade association for the UK's aerospace, defence, security and space sectors. Although orders fell 71% in the first half of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023, aircraft orders still this year remain at their highest level since 2018. Due to supply-chain, regulatory and capacity challenges, the sector still represents £7-8bn of value provided to the UK economy. ADS reports that there is a 15,668 global aircraft order backlog that is worth £247bn for the UK economy, 8.3% higher than at the same point in 2023, reflecting general sector confidence. Productivity within the sector has risen 25% since 2013, with the sector's c4,000 jobs providing an average of £104,800 output per worker. 88% of those jobs are located outside of London and the South East and the median average salary of aerospace sector jobs is 39% higher than the UK average. The trade association commented: "Despite notable challenges, the UK aerospace sector is thriving only a few short years since the pandemic that grounded almost all areas of the civil aerospace sector." "2023 was a record-breaking year for aircraft orders and deliveries, and the first half of 2024 has only fallen slightly behind 2023 delivery rates. The data for the sector in the last decade shows long-term resilience within the industry, as well as increasing productivity levels in this dynamic, innovative sector." "Intelligent support from Government to tackle issues in the supply chain, cash flow and capacity constraints has the potential to turbo-charge more long-term growth in this sector, providing significant benefits to the economy for the future" Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS Source: www.adsgroup.org.uk #engineering #ukengineering #aerospace #supplychain #manufacturing #ukmanufacturing #precision

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🌿 Exciting developments in the UK hydrogen sector! 🌿 The Hydrogen Industry Leaders event series continues to spark important conversations about the hydrogen economy. As we explore the biggest projects across the UK, one question stands out: How do we ensure safety in the hydrogen sector? Key safety considerations include: - Hydrogen's near-invisible flame and lack of odor, making detection challenging without added odorants. - Its buoyancy causes it to rise quickly, potentially leading to explosive mixtures. - Specialized training is required for its transportation as a cryogenic liquid. - Hydrogen can corrode materials like steel faster than natural gas, requiring careful material choices. UK health and safety laws currently govern hydrogen activities through existing frameworks, but hydrogen-specific standards are emerging. The Gas Safety (Management) Regulations limit hydrogen to 0.1% in the network, with trials for higher amounts underway. Notable projects: - Scotland: INEOS and Scottish Gas Networks are developing a 29km pipeline for hydrogen distribution. - Keele University: A £7 million zero-carbon hydrogen network heating homes with a 20% hydrogen blend. - Winlaton: A partnership supplying a 20% hydrogen blend to 670 homes. The Health and Safety Executive is also deeply involved in ensuring the safety of hydrogen vehicles, supporting the Port of London, and researching liquid hydrogen safety. Waygate Technologies has been within Baker Hughes and with the National Composites Centre building inspection technologies for future demands, and continuing to review the standards on working groups within ASNT (The American Society for Nondestructive Testing), and Civil Aviation Authority for Pipelines, Tank and Aerospace applications. Let’s keep the momentum going for a safer, more sustainable hydrogen future! ⚡️ #HydrogenEconomy #Innovation #Sustainability #UKEnergy #Hydrogen #H2 #Safety #InspectionStartsHere #NDT <Source: https://lnkd.in/eRBV_ccB>

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✈️Exciting developments in the UK Sustainable Aerospace sector! The Aerospace Technology Institute (#ATI) has released its comprehensive May 2024 report detailing the strides being made by the Hydrogen Capability Network (#HCN) towards advancing liquid hydrogen (#LH2) technologies. 🌍 As we aim for zero-carbon aviation, the HCN is leading the charge, leveraging findings from ATI's FlyZero project which identifies LH2 as the most promising fuel source for a sustainable aerospace future. Key highlights from the report include: 🔹Test Infrastructure: Plans to establish medium-scale LH2 test hubs across the UK to meet the sector's testing demands. 🔹Research Initiatives: The launch of the Cryogenic Hydrogen Materials Testing Standards (#CHyMES) to foster product design and certification. 🔹Skill Development: Initiatives to bridge the skills gap in cryogenics and #LH2 systems, ensuring a well-equipped workforce ready to tackle future challenges. 💡 The report outlines both immediate actions and long-term strategies, aiming to position the UK as a world leader in hydrogen technology for aerospace. During the first 12 months of the HCN, the following topics were identified as requiring particular focus: 💦Cryogenic hydrogen thermofluids behaviour 🥶Multiphysics understanding of materials at cryogenic temperature ☣️Health and safety modelling of failure cases for cryogenic hydrogen systems and validation 🖊️Hydrogen handling protocols. HCN will now develop these topics into collaborative strategic research projects, taking into account the international landscape and industrial priorities. #Aerospace #Innovation #SustainableAviation #HydrogenPower #FlyZero #H2 #Hydrogen #UKTechnology #FutureOfFlight #ATI National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Airbus #ZeroE #ZEDC Health and Safety Executive IAAPS #LiquidHydrogen

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Amprius was featured recently in an Aviation Week Network article by Graham Warwick🚁 🔋The piece explains the need for higher energy batteries and stricter safety standards in the aviation industry, highlighting how Amprius' advanced silicon anode technology rises to meet this challenge. "Amprius Technologies has targeted aerospace as an early application for its 100% silicon-anode batteries, with Airbus, AeroVironment, BAE Systems and Teledyne FLIR as early customers. Versions include high energy for stratospheric platforms, high power for eVTOL, and balanced power and energy for drones.   Amprius’ process grows silicon nanowires directly from the metal current collector. Nanowires do not swell as much as particles, and the spacing between them accommodates the volume expansion while providing the most conductive path for ions and electrons, resulting in higher power and faster charging." ⚡ Read the full article at the link below to learn more about our customers, manufacturing partners, and how we're strategically planning to meet the growing needs of the electric aviation space. #AMPX #aviation #electricmobility #drones #tech #batterytech #futuretech #technology

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📢 Blog: Energy Systems Catapult’s Net Zero report comes at a key time on the journey to Destination Zero ATI Head of Technology – Sustainability & Strategy, Adam Morton discusses the Energy Systems Catapult’s Innovating to Net Zero report which explores how the UK can achieve a cost-effective Net Zero energy system. “The report notes it is essential we accelerate the innovation of more novel technologies to commercially scalable and replicable solutions in key areas, including aviation, if we are to get to Net Zero by 2050. This development of ultra-efficient, zero-carbon and cross-cutting technologies alongside the ramping up of renewable energy sources for the production of sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen will be crucial on the journey to Destination Zero.” Discover more: https://lnkd.in/eFUTcdT4 To download the report, visit https://lnkd.in/ezJzuXU6 📸 Energy Systems Catapult #DestinationZero #NetZero #InnovatingToNetZero2024 #ITNZ24 #EnergyInnovation #Innovation #Aerospace #Aviation

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The white paper "Finding Clear Air: Navigating the Turbulence in Commercial Aerospace" from McKinsey & Company outlines several key themes and recommendations for the commercial aerospace sector to address current challenges and capitalise on future opportunities. Here are the key themes and recommendations summarised from the document: Key Themes: 1. Supply Chain Disruptions: - The aerospace sector is facing significant supply chain challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. - Persistent shortages of raw materials and critical components like semiconductors & electronics are major issues. 2. Labour Shortages: - A shortage of skilled labour, compounded by retirements and the difficulty of attracting new talent, is impacting productivity & operational efficiency. 3. Increased Demand: - Despite disruptions, there is a high demand for new aircraft and maintenance, driven by the recovery in air travel & geopolitical factors. 4. Operational Inefficiencies: - Many aerospace companies lag behind in digitising processes, leading to operational inefficiencies. 5. Financial Strains: - Companies face financial challenges due to the need for significant capital investments to ramp up production and manage supply chain issues. Recommendations: 1. Enhanced Supply Chain Management:* - Use data and analytics to gain a comprehensive view of supply chain health and issues. - Increase collaboration & capability building across functions to improve problem-solving & resilience. - Proactively assess risks to better prepare for disruptions. 2. Talent Acquisition and Retention: - Develop strategies to attract & retain talent by creating a positive workplace culture and focusing on employee development. - Invest in reskilling current employees to bridge skill gaps & meet evolving needs. 3. Operational Excellence: - Implement lean manufacturing principles to improve quality control & reduce delays. - Adopt digital tools & automation to streamline procurement & other operational processes. 4. Strategic Investments: - Invest in redundancy & capacity building within the supply chain to mitigate risks from supplier consolidation & demand fluctuations. - Explore partnerships to share capital expenditure burdens & increase production capacity. 5. Future-Oriented Planning: - Engage in strategic tabletop exercises to simulate potential disruptions & develop contingency plans. - Align talent management with long-term strategic goals, ensuring that HR is integrated into overall business planning. 6. Use of Technology: - Leverage generative AI & other advanced technologies to enhance maintenance operations & improve training & quality control. Conclusion: The paper underscores the importance of a dual approach, combining short-term crisis management with long-term strategic planning.

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