What does a coherent, apolitical energy transition really look like? Beyond the headlines, what are the real trade-offs, the hard engineering challenges and the behaviour changes we’ll need to reach net zero?
In our latest What on Earth podcast, three of Apollo’s experts:
Phil Westmorland (Director of Decarbonisation)
Nigel Robinson (Director of Marine Energies) and
Calum Westland (Head of Industrial Decarbonisation)
– dive deep into the fundamentals of the transition.
No silver bullet
The UK’s net zero goal by 2050 will demand a resilient mix of solutions. Nuclear for baseload. Renewables for flexibility. Storage to smooth the peaks and troughs. As Phil puts it, “We have to stop thinking in absolutes. It’s about designing a system that works in real life, not just on paper.”
Hydrogen: the Swiss Army knife?
Hydrogen could decarbonise aviation fuel, chemicals and heavy industry but high production costs and efficiency challenges mean it’s not a universal fix. The panel agree it’s about targeting hydrogen where it delivers the most value.
Offshore renewables: progress and pitfalls
Floating wind is advancing fast, but grid capacity, consenting delays and investment remain barriers. “We can’t just build turbines and hope the rest will catch up,” Nigel warns.
Small changes, big impact
Better home insulation. Smarter energy use. More local manufacturing. Calum argues these societal shifts are just as important as technological advances.
AI: the quiet enabler
From smart homes to industrial ports, AI could revolutionise how we manage and balance energy demand. But as Phil points out, it has an energy cost of its own – a reminder that every solution comes with trade-offs.
And yes, we also answer the slightly ridiculous question: Could the Tour de France power your house? (Spoiler: don’t cancel your electricity supplier just yet.)
Listen to the podcast below or explore past episodes to stay informed about the latest developments in the industry.