The role of energy technologies

Margaret Copland CEng CSci FIMMM MWES

Senior Wells & Technology Manager, Oil & Gas Authority

Margaret is Senior Wells & Technology Manager with the Oil & Gas Authority, the UK Oil & Gas and CO₂ storage Regulator currently focussing on the decommissioning of hydrocarbon wells and wells aspects of CCUS. 

A Chemical and Process Engineering graduate of the University of Strathclyde, Margaret has over 35 years’ experience in the industry previously working for major oil companies as well as the UK safety regulator. 

She is involved in the development of international standards, is a keen supporter of new technology and in engineering being recognised as a profession. 

Margaret is Vice Chair of the IOM3 Technology Communities Board, a Board member of the IOM3 Energy Transition Group and a Council member of The Mining Institute of Scotland. 

: www.ogauthority.co.uk
: margaretcopland

Dr Richard M Oblath PhD CEng FIMMM FIE

Chair, IOM3 Energy Transition Group

Richard served in multiple executive positions during 25 years at Royal Dutch Shell in the Americas, Europe and Asia in Chemicals, corporate strategy culminating in leading global M&A for Downstream and the emerging New Energy businesses. Prior to joining Shell, he held appointments for 14 years with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in various roles including Strategy Manager, Manufacturing Director, Technology Director and President of a JV.

Post his retirement from Royal Dutch Shell in mid-2017, Richard has built a portfolio of global advisory positions for Boards and C-Suite Executives in the Downstream Oil, Chemicals and energy intensive industries focusing on strategy and corporate transformations ahead of the Energy Transition. He is the Executive Chairman and a General Partner of H2Transition Capital LLP a new $350mln global private equity fund focused on investing in the hydrogen value chain and a non-executive director of Boson Energy S.A. He is the Chair of the Energy Transition Group of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (where he also a Fellow), a Fellow of the Energy Institute, a member of Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs) and a member of Chapter Zero (a community of non-executive directors who understand and can position the Energy Transition with their board colleagues).

Richard lives in London is married with two children and three grandchildren. He is a dual US/British citizen and is involved in “not for profit” organizations engaged in classical music (Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the London Chamber Orchestra) and the funding of six financial aid Nottingham University undergraduate students annually allowing them to spend time studying outside of the UK. He is also the 2019/21 President of the John Carpenter Club (the alumni association for the City of London School).  He enjoys international affairs, music, and art.

Robert Sorrell

Independent Technology and Policy Advisor.,

Robert is an independent Technology and Policy Advisor. Prior to that he was was BP’s Vice President for Research & Innovation for BP’s global Formulated Products (Fuels and Lubricants) Technology, and also BP’s technology policy advisor for the UK and EU. Robert joined BP in 1987 from Durham University having earlier completed his PhD at Cambridge University.

: robert-sorrell

Chris Gent

Policy Manager, Carbon Capture and Storage Association

Chris is a Policy Manager at the Carbon Capture and Storage Association based in Westminster where he works with CCSA members to promote and support the development of commercial CCUS industry in the UK and Europe.

In his role, Chris has worked extensively on a range of UK activities including the CCUS Advisory Group and engaging on a regular basis with BEIS and HMT officials on the emerging CCUS policy framework. He has also been responsible for leading the Policy and Economics Working Groups of the European Zero Emissions Platform, the ETIP advisor on CCS and CCU to the European Commission, this includes coordinating input to the European Commission on the Innovation Fund, Horizon Europe and Green Finance Sustainability Taxonomy.

Prior to joining CCSA Chris worked for five years as a geologist at the British Geological Survey (BGS) working in the CCS and Geothermal Teams. His work at the BGS included appraising offshore CO2 storage sites, investigating hydrocarbon potential in the UK and understanding stress regimes in the UK continental shelf.

Dr Chris Williams

Head of Industrial Decarbonisation, Industry Wales

Dr Chris Williams is a Fellow of the IMechE and the EMA. Chris has 30 years experience in the steel industry and was seconded into Industry Wales during 2020 to continue his leadership role for the South Wales Industrial Cluster.

: https://www.industrywales.com