Empowering the Green Economy through Low Carbon Industrial Innovations
Key Ideas
- Equans, part of Bouygues group, leads high-profile hydrogen projects and supports clean energy transitions.
- Chris O'Connor emphasizes the importance of celebrating low carbon industrial projects and the need for rapid transition to net zero.
- Equans' recent work includes ammonia-cracking solution for green hydrogen transition and focus on AI-enabled energy efficiency solutions.
- Advice for working in the green economy includes finding a role using the concept of IKIGAI and promoting economic benefits of green initiatives.
Equans UK and Ireland, under the leadership of Chris O'Connor, plays a pivotal role in driving high-profile hydrogen projects and supporting clean energy transitions. The firm, part of the Bouygues group, specializes in multidisciplinary engineering services for hydrogen projects to aid energy, digital, and industrial transitions towards clean energy. Equans collaborates with local authorities, project developers, and end-users to realize their hydrogen ambitions, with expertise in designing and constructing electrolytic hydrogen production systems and e-fuel projects.
Chris O'Connor highlights the significance of celebrating low carbon industrial projects and the necessity for a rapid transition to net zero. Equans has been actively involved in supporting low carbon industrial projects, including delivering innovative solutions such as an ammonia-cracking solution for the UK's green hydrogen transition. They are also focusing on AI-enabled industrial process optimization and energy efficiency solutions.
In an interview, Chris O'Connor addresses misconceptions about the green economy, emphasizing the economic opportunities it presents. He also discusses the challenges in achieving a net zero transition and offers advice for individuals seeking to work in the green economy, encouraging them to find their role using the concept of IKIGAI.
Looking ahead, O'Connor anticipates the emergence of new business models quantifying the value of green projects on the wider economy. He suggests tailoring the message of the green economy to appeal to climate skeptics, highlighting its benefits for economic growth, energy security, and public health.
Equans is sponsoring the Low Carbon Industrial Project of the Year category at the 2025 UK Green Business Awards, showcasing their commitment to promoting industrial innovations towards sustainability. The event will take place in London, providing a platform to recognize and honor outstanding contributions to the green economy.