Emerging talents
Each year, a group of talented young professionals present their forward-thinking ideas to a panel of judges in competition to win the YPPC.
In June, the final took place at IGEM House where a bustling room heard from 10 contestants, each one of which had previously won a Section YPPC heat. Opening the event was IGEM CEO Oliver Lancaster who welcomed attendees, judges and finalists.
He said: “We all get to switch off today from what we’re doing and hear about the exciting innovations our young members are involved in across the industry. I’m going to leave here today knowing the future is bright for the industry.”
Host and YPN Chair Lewis Kirkwood then introduced the judges: IGEM President Nicola Evans, Principal Hydrogen Consultant at DNV Adam Madgett, IGEM North West Section Chair Mumtaz Patel and previous YPPC winner Phillip Shortt.
He wished all the finalists the best of luck and welcomed the first contestant to the stage.
First up was Toby Hoi, of The Hong Kong & China Gas Co Ltd, representing the Far East District Section, whose presentation on HKCG’s synthetic natural gas backup plant poises a pioneering solution for sustainable energy.
He shared some of the benefits of the project which include transforming landfill gas into a reliable energy source, boosting customer confidence and enabling further business opportunities.
Then, the room heard from Declan Spencer, of Wales & West Utilities, representing the Welsh Section. He shared a presentation entitled: ‘Under pressure – Protecting the security of supply in Hayle’.
Declan said: “I'm proud to have led this project from concept to delivery, taking a whole-network approach to enable a new independent gas transporter (IGT) connection while maintaining stable network pressures.”
Next up was Varun Shah, of AFAA, representing the Midlands Section, who presented the design of a complex pipeline diversion using advanced structural analysis techniques.
He said: “Some objectives included confirming the pipeline and bends are suitable in terms of materials and thickness, ensuring the backfill material within the launch and reception shafts is acceptable and providing loads on civil structures.”
After a short break, Irish Section representative Aoibhinn Conlan, of Fingleton White, took to the stage to present a trenchless crossing of the grand canal.
Aoibhinn described how IGEM standards were used as part of the design process.
Next was Eric Suen, of The Hong Kong & China Gas Co Ltd, who also represented the Far East District Section. His project shared details of producing hydrogen from landfill gas in Hong Kong.
Eric discussed Towngas’ network and the use of biogas applications throughout.
Then it was over to Cadent’s Ellie Higham, representing the North West Section, who explored how gas system design is evolving. She focused on the move away from the traditional ‘1 in 20’ peak demand standard towards using Seasonal Normal Demand (SND) instead.
She said: “One in 20 is becoming outdated and we need a new solution, this is where SND comes in. It is very fluid, and it allows for flexibility.”
Representing the Scottish Section was SGN’s James Fraser, who delved into mapping potential industrial hydrogen demand.
He discussed how hydrogen should be used by sectors that are least suitable for electrification.
After lunch, William Starling kicked of proceedings with his presentation on EcoVENT – a low emission solution for the commissioning of new mains.
Representing the London, Southern & Eastern Section, William, who works for Cadent, said: “Throughout the whole process, one question kept coming up, what if we didn’t need to purge any air?”
Dana Abu-Suud, from Bohr Ltd, representing the South West Section, then began her presentation on HyBreak – a solution to enable a smarter, safer and net zero gas grid.
She shed some light on how HyBreak is a proactive approach to stopping gas leaks.
Last, but by no means least, representing the North East and Yorkshire Section was Jack Smith, of DNV.
His presentation shared insights into FutureGrid and how this project is leading the way in the transition to hydrogen.
“The big question is how do we supply clean, inexpensive and indispensable gas to our customers? The answer is FutureGrid,” said Jack.
After a short refreshment break, during which the judges deliberated over what proved to be a difficult decision, the results were announced. This year’s winner was William Starling, with Jack Smith taking second place and Aoibhinn Conlan in third.
A huge congratulations goes to William, who received the once-in-a-lifetime prize of attending a gas conference anywhere in the world and the coveted trophy.
IGEM extends its sincere congratulations to all the finalists and thanks everyone who attended and supported the event, including our panel of judges. We’re also grateful to our network sponsors, Cadent, National Gas, Northern Gas Networks, SGN, and Wales & West Utilities, for their continued support.