Decarbonisation – the fourth
industrial revolution
The next speaker was Dr Paul Logan, director of Chemicals, Explosives
and Microbiological Hazards Division, HSE, who was eager to point out
that decarbonisation will be ‘a lot more rapid than the previous speaker
has alluded to’.
Supporting the high hazards industry and ensuring regulatory
approaches are in line with the government’s industrial strategy, Paul
spoke of the need for further regulation to change and adapt the UK’s
energy system to ensure it is clean, reliable and low cost.
Viewing decarbonisation as the fourth industrial revolution, ‘it will
change the way we live and work’ so it is vital that our regulatory system
keeps pace.
Giving the good news that the UK, along with Sweden, is still one
of the best places to operate and from a work perspective, is one of the
safest countries in the world, HSE is however concerned by infrastructure
and investment decisions for older plants such as refineries.
‘Creaking and showing their age’ businesses have the increasing
challenge of keeping the oil and gas flowing whilst remaining profitable
and sustainable in a declining market.
“We recognise the sector’s maturity and the regulation knowledge
of operators, we know the good sites and those that are less good,” said
Paul.
With too many smaller incidents caused by overspills and corrosion
now occurring on sites, Paul reported 75 dangerous occurrences in
2018/19.
“Leadership is absolutely crucial for effective risk control. Operators
need to invest in risk controls to bring down the number of incidents.
Heading to zero carbon, Paul spoke of cleaner fuels aspirations,
including the possibility of injecting hydrogen into the UK’s gas
network. Much work is underway with hydrogen for both transport and
heating, but as mentioned by the previous speaker, it poses significant
challenges.
Another who sees shipping moving to LNG and hydrogen, as
the move to 0.1% sulphur gets closer, the first LNG cruise liner is due
to be launched in April 2020. HSE is working with the Maritime and
Coastguard Agency to consider new refuelling standards at ports.
Creating a better place
Dr Jo Nettleden, deputy director and head of radioactive substances
and installations regulation, Environment Agency, spoke of the desire to
‘leave the environment in a better state than we found it’.
Painting a somewhat bleak picture Jo, who is concerned about our
EU exit, asked – ‘will this result in reduced compliance or potentially
insolvencies, leading to abandoned sites with more pollution incidents?’
Like Paul speaking beforehand, Jo also pointed out that pollution
incidents have started to go up again. Also, of concern is the loss of
expertise in process industries as people retire.
With drought and increased rainfall having the potential to impact
on infrastructure at major hazard sites, the agency needs to be assured
that operators will maintain standards and be fully prepared.
Pointing to the challenges ahead, such as protecting water
sources, implementation of clean air strategies and working to increase
biodiversity, the Environment Agency believes there will be more
opportunity to further protect the environment when the UK is in control.
Striving for a level playing field, the agency will put an environmental bill
and a 25-year plan in place after Brexit.
“If we are going to crack the challenge of climate change, we need
to work together,” said Jo who referred delegates to the Chemical and
Downstream Oil Industries Forum (CDOIF) – best practice for flooding.
With its eye firmly on the consequences for the environment, the
Environment Agency’s Regulated Industries Strategic Business Plan
2018-23 states that everyone has a role in working together to meet the
challenge – failure is not an option!
Creating a better place
The Regulating for people, environment and growth document,
which was published in October 2019 says, ‘the right kind of regulation
that is simple, risk based, proportionate and aims for partnership – helps
enhance our environment, protects communities and unlocks growth’.
https://environmentagency.blog.gov.uk/2019/10/28/
regulating-for-people-environment-and-growth/
UK Climate Projections (UKCP) indicate that a 4 degree rise in
temperature would mean a 4 metre rise in sea levels by 2300
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/approach/collaboration/
ukcp/index
From the Prax
terminal at Jarrow –
Michael Derbyshire and
Graham Newham
Fuel Oil News | December 2019 19