On 10th March 2022, the third event of the Sustainable Futures Seminar Series took place online and featured our guest speakers Dr Ian Mell and Professor Kevin Taylor from The University of Manchester. The event attracted both external and internal attendees, who enthusiastically interacted with the speakers.
The event was chaired by the Sustainable Futures Director, Professor Mike Shaver, who opened the event; welcomed our attendees and introduced our guest speakers- Dr Ian Mell, Reader in Environmental & Landscape Planning, Faculty of Humanities, Manchester Urban Institute at The University of Manchester and Kevin Taylor, Professor of Sedimentology and Tectonics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Dalton Nuclear Institute & Manchester Environmental Research Institute at The University of Manchester.
Dr Ian Mell was our first guest speaker to present. His discussion topic was “Translating research into effective Green Infrastructure practice: Policy, finance and interventions in urban planning”. Here he explored the misconceptions regarding the costs, benefits, and value of urban greening in local government decision-making and how alternative pathways for intervention are however, visible linking policy, finance, and the creation of greener and more sustainable places. He also explained how evaluating existing Green Infrastructure in the UK provides scope to identify who, what, and how investment in urban greening be achieved. Taking a purposely multi-partner approach to assessment enables advocates to navigate the complexities of policy formation, ratification and implementation, whilst also making robust economic arguments for intervention. The attendees responded with engaging questions for Ian.
Next, Professor Kevin Taylor explored “Geological subsurface energy storage: minimising uncertainties towards decarbonisation”. Kevin looked into how short to medium term storage of energy, particularly heat and hydrogen, within rocks in the subsurface provides opportunities for wide-spread and large-scale decarbonisation of heating and power generation. Recent research has shown that ample storage is available in the UK, both onshore and offshore. However, Kevin noted the efficiencies and impacts on system behaviour as a result of repeated injection and extraction of the stored energy (fluids, gases, heat) are poorly constrained. He then provided an overview of multi-scale imaging (2D and 3D lab and synchrotron X-ray tomography) and characterisation (pore networks, mineralogy, water-rock-gas interactions) research that is currently taking place to better constrain these uncertainties. Kevin ended his presentation by answering questions from the audience.
Professor Mike Shaver showed his gratitude for the attendees’ enthusiasm and the guest speakers’ presentations and closed the event.
Watch Ian and Kevin's recording here:
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