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WELCOME TO THE NOVEMBER EDITION

EDITOR’S LETTER

ACCORDING TO US Special Envoy John Kerry, the world is poised to
make a big leap forward at the UN COP26, with world leaders
“sharpening their pencils” to make fresh commitments that could put
the goals of the 2015 Paris agreement within reach.
He gave an upbeat assessment of the prospects for the climate
summit, which begins in Glasgow at the end of this month, saying he
anticipated “surprising announcements” from key countries.
In this edition of Gi, we’re taking a look at some of the objectives and
challenges of this latest gathering of world leaders and asking whether this summit is likely to
be any more successful than previous climate talks.
“The measure of success at Glasgow is we will have the largest, most significant increase in
ambition [on cutting emissions] by more countries than everyone ever imagined possible. A
much larger group of people are stepping up,” said Kerry in an interview with The Guardian. “I
know certain countries are working hard right now on what they can achieve.”
The UK is one of those countries, with grand ambitions to create the world’s first zero carbon
network, powered entirely by hydrogen gas. However, some countries are certainly attempting
to challenge our leadership when it comes to hydrogen.
The IEA’s Global Hydrogen Review puts into perspective the work taking place around the
world to put hydrogen at the forefront of the net zero agenda and we’re bringing you a
summary of the key findings in this edition.
A major part of that agenda will be the ability to mix low carbon technology with lower
temperature heating systems. But since most replacement heating appliances are purchased
out of dire necessity, the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) has raised concerns
over whether current UK heating systems are ready for the change.
Its latest whitepaper, written by members of HHIC, the Hot Water Association (HWA), and
the Manufacturers Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC), outlines where
improvements need to be made and how different domestic systems can be aligned with the
country’s long-term goals.
Meanwhile, as the UK gears up to unite the world at COP26 and agree more ambitious plans
for tackling climate change, Net Zero North West has launched a manifesto to help keep the
country on course for 2050 by maximising the benefits of the transition. A powerful
collaboration of industry leaders is challenging the government to put in place a policy
framework that will enable a £285 billion economic boost for the North and safeguard or create
over 660,000 jobs. Find out more here.
All this is accompanied by the usual mix of news and events from around the industry,
including the IGEM YPN’s visit to the Hydrogen Homes site, the Midlands Summer Sports &
Social event and a very enlightening evening with former National Grid CEO Steve Holliday.
We hope you enjoy the November edition,

SHARON BAKER-HALLAM
EDITOR, BA (HONS) AIGEM
INSTITUTION OF GAS ENGINEERS AND MANAGERS (IGEM)

SEE YOUR WORK IN Gas international We are always seeking to share the latest research and ground-breaking
industry developments in IGEM’s journal. If you would like to see your work featured in the pages of Gi, contact the Editor by
emailing sharon@igem.org.uk with a short synopsis of your contribution.

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