Ulf Nahrath assumed his position at Shell UK in 2022, spearheading the company's dynamic energy transition initiative. His responsibilities encompass integrating low-carbon assets into the energy landscape, including wind and solar power generation, hydrogen technology, and carbon capture and storage solutions. Ulf's leadership extends to advancing sustainable aviation fuel initiatives and facilitating the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

AL Circle: Future decarbonisation solutions for high-energy users like aluminium production and manufacturing have been a major topic of discussion over the past few years. How have technologies evolved during this time?

Ulf Nahrath: As companies face increasing pressure to demonstrate their progress towards reaching net-zero goals,  we’re seeing businesses moving from ambition to action when it comes to decarbonisation. Many businesses already have a firm net-zero strategy in place  and are now driving these plans forward to minimise operational emissions – from kick-starting energy efficiency projects and procuring renewable energy to electrifying vehicle fleets.  
However, many energy intensive industries (EIIs), such as aluminium producers, recognise that reduction and efficiency alone simply aren’t enough to tackle hard-to-abate emissions.  As such, companies from across the supply chain are progressing feasibility studies to understand the other options available.  This includes everything from on-site generation and battery storage, to using carbon capture and storage (CCS) and exploring the potential of hydrogen turbines.