Green Industrial Futures: Strategies and Solutions
Annual Conference 2025
Session Summaries
Keynote Sessions
Main Sessions
Opening Session
IDRIC and GIF-CDT Overview
During the welcome session of the conference, Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer provided a brief introduction to IDRIC & the CDT in Green Industrial Futures. This included outlining IDRICs mission to drive the decarbonisation of UK industry through collaborative research and innovation. Professor Maroto-Valer also highlighted the role of the CDT in developing the next generation of net zero leaders.
Panel
Gridlock or greenlight? The Future of Industrial Electrification in the UK
This panel explored what it will take to enable and accelerate industrial electrification in the UK in terms of capacity adequacy, technological readiness, financing and economic business models and how this must be supported by reformed planning and consenting regimes.
Panel
From Evidence to Action: Scaling Hydrogen with Research-Driven Solutions
This panel discussed two new IDRIC reports on hydrogen generation and hydrogen transport & storage. Drawing on insights from across IDRIC’s research portfolio, the reports offer recommendations for industry and policymakers to advance net zero goals. Experts from academia, industry, and government will share perspectives on the key findings and how the recommendations can be taken forward.
Panel
AI-powered pathways to industrial decarbonisation
This 45-minute session explored how artificial intelligence can accelerate industrial decarbonisation. Speakers highlighted key opportunities and challenges, followed by two real-world case studies demonstrating AI applications in reducing emissions. The session concluded with an interactive panel discussion with experts driving progress towards a low-carbon future.
Workshop
Research and Innovation Agenda for Net Zero Industries Workshop
Interactive workshops to shape a new section of our “Research and Innovation Agenda for Net Zero Industries.”
This session invited participants to share their insights and experiences to help co-develop a new chapter of the agenda, outlining the funding support and structures needed to turn research and innovation into real-world impact. The discussions were rich and solution-oriented, highlighting both current challenges and future opportunities.
The Research and Innovation Agenda for Net Zero Industries is currently under development and is set to be published later this autumn.
Closing Session
Mattie Yeta – Chief Sustainability Officer at CGI & Director of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment
In her closing keynote, Mattie Yeta emphasised the need for bold innovation and cross-sector collaboration to decarbonise industry at pace. She shared insights from CGI’s projects that showcase how digital tools, smart grids and local energy systems can drive meaningful progress toward net zero.