Institution news

60 seconds with…James Bowers, SSE Thermal

Institution News Team

Boiler User Group 2021
Boiler User Group 2021

With the return of the Institution’s popular Boiler User Group, presenter James explains what topics he is looking forward to discussing in November.

Please can you kindly explain your role and involvement with these assets.

James Bowers (JB): I manage a team that is undertaking the design development of Keadby 3 low carbon CCGT project and provides technical support to SSE Thermal’s Low Carbon Industrial Clusters engagements. Activities have included technology assessment and optioneering, site feasibility, engineering requirements, technical risk assessment, and conceptual design, and supporting the planning application process.

What is the number one challenge for those working with power assets, in your opinion?

JB: Managing the changing requirements of the energy system – more flexibility, lower carbon intensity, lower load factors, and new technologies.

What is the most important development in this field at the moment, either within your organisation or in the industry in general?

JB: BAT guidance document and Dispatchable Power Agreement.

What are the next steps in your organisation’s journey toward net zero?

JB: Build out multiple low carbon CCGTs (CCS and H2) and develop H2 storage at our Gas Storage facilities.

What can attendees expect from your presentation at this year’s user group?

JB: These projects are complex and require a mix of companies with different areas of expertise to deliver a design that will meet the energy system requirements. I’ll describe some of the challenges involved in these projects and how SSE are dealing with them.

What other topics are you looking forward to hearing about and discussing at the upcoming user group?

JB: Gas CCS and BECCS.

Why do you feel it is important for all professionals to join the user group?

JB: To share best practice and learnings, particularly now with so many innovations required on the path to Net Zero.

The Boiler User Group returns to the Nottingham Belfry Hotel on 3-4 November 2021.

This year’s user group will take place within the context of aiming towards a zero-carbon future covering topics including emissions, CCS and preparing boiler technology for net-zero. Covering two days of technical presentations, discussion panels, Q&A Sessions and networking opportunities, it is THE forum for all those involved in power boiler assets.

For full details and to book your place please visit the event website.

Share:

Read more related articles

Professional Engineering magazine

Current Issue: Issue 1, 2025

Issue 1 2025 cover

Read now

Professional Engineering app

  • Industry features and content
  • Engineering and Institution news
  • News and features exclusive to app users

Download our Professional Engineering app

Professional Engineering newsletter

A weekly round-up of the most popular and topical stories featured on our website, so you won't miss anything

Subscribe to Professional Engineering newsletter

Opt into your industry sector newsletter

Related articles