CBR interviews Perry Wilson, Head of Advisory ANZ at Rystad Energy, Australia.
What inspired you to start your career in the energy transition field?
Perry Wilson: Growing up in the UK and studying civil engineering, I always had an ambition to work on impactful projects. Working briefly with a climate research veteran focusing on embodied emissions and the circular economy further solidified my interest. I believe that the global energy transition to address climate challenges is the world’s greatest challenge today. Solving complex, global problems is incredibly satisfying and gives me a sense of pride and purpose in my work.
Which country’s advancements have most influenced your vision for a sustainable future?
Perry Wilson: The UK has had a significant influence on my vision for sustainability. Growing up in the north of England, I witnessed the closure of coal mines and the rise of offshore wind energy. The UK’s advancements in nuclear energy and renewables, especially wind energy, have shaped my understanding of sustainable energy solutions. Since moving to Australia, I’ve been fascinated by the different challenges and opportunities in renewables due to the country’s geography and focus on solar energy. The comparison between the UK’s dense population and Australia’s vast geography with less population density has been particularly insightful.
What is the correct approach to expand CCUS solutions, and how do they contribute to the energy transition?
Perry Wilson: There’s no single correct approach to expanding CCUS (carbon capture, utilization, and storage) solutions. The oil and gas industry has used carbon capture for decades, but the focus now needs to be on permanent storage or utilization. Utilization aligns with the circular economy, turning CO2 into useful products like construction materials or fuels. This removes carbon from the global budget and creates valuable products. Storage, on the other hand, involves returning carbon underground, reducing emissions in the global budget. Both approaches are crucial, and scaling these technologies globally is essential for the energy transition.
What are the biggest technological advancements in CCUS in recent years?
Perry Wilson: Recent advancements in CCUS technology include improved storage projects and innovative utilization methods. Storage projects have become more reliable, with better measurement and verification of permanent carbon storage. In the utilization space, exciting developments involve using CO2 in construction materials and other industries. This displaces virgin manufacturing processes and integrates carbon capture into hard-to-abate sectors, fostering a true circular economy.
How can artificial intelligence support carbon capture methods and the energy transition?
Perry Wilson: Artificial intelligence (AI) has great potential in supporting carbon capture and the energy transition, especially when trained on validated and trustworthy data. AI can help identify optimal locations for energy projects, matching energy sources to geographic and weather patterns. This enhances the efficiency of renewable energy deployment and helps in making informed decisions about energy mixes. AI can also support carbon capture by optimizing storage locations and improving the efficiency of the entire process. However, it’s crucial that AI systems are based on accurate data to maximize their effectiveness.
How important is public awareness and acceptance for the success of carbon capture projects?
Perry Wilson: Public awareness and acceptance are vital for the success of carbon capture projects. In regions like Australia, gaining a social license is crucial. Local communities must understand and support these projects, as they are directly affected. Building community involvement and trust is essential, moving beyond transactional relationships to genuine engagement. Without local acceptance, even well-planned projects can struggle to gain approval and be implemented successfully.
What are the key challenges associated with implementing CCUS on a larger scale, apart from licensing and community acceptance?
Perry Wilson: Beyond licensing and community acceptance, key challenges include proximity to carbon capture sites and transportation logistics. The location of storage sites relative to carbon-emitting industries is critical. Transporting captured carbon via pipelines, ships, or lorries adds complexity and emissions. Another challenge is creating a network of industrial sites that can collectively capture and utilize carbon efficiently. Ensuring that captured carbon can be stored or used locally optimizes the process and reduces emissions associated with transportation.
What are the key factors influencing energy productivity across different renewable technologies?
Perry Wilson: The efficiency of energy conversion is a key factor influencing productivity in renewable technologies. Solar energy, for example, converts sunlight to electricity with about 90% efficiency, compared to the 30-50% efficiency of fossil fuel combustion. Geography plays a crucial role in determining the best renewable energy source for a region. Countries with abundant sunlight are ideal for solar, while those with strong winds or geothermal activity might focus on wind or geothermal energy. The local availability of resources and the efficiency of converting those resources into useful energy determine the productivity of different renewable technologies.
How do you expect the energy sector to look once net zero is achieved by 2050, and what will be the next steps?
Perry Wilson: Achieving net zero by 2050 means balancing the amount of carbon emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere. However, this doesn’t necessarily reverse climate change impacts. The next steps might involve exploring ways to further reduce atmospheric carbon, possibly through direct air capture. The focus will likely shift to managing energy and climate impacts, balancing remediation efforts with initiatives to further influence climate patterns. Developing innovative solutions to directly reduce atmospheric carbon could be an exciting frontier post-2050.
