In this episode, Simon Smith from Frazer-Nash Consultancy joins the Podbite series to discuss the realities of industrial decarbonization. The conversation explores the role of small modular reactors (SMRs), the opportunities and limits of existing carbon technologies, and the commercial hurdles facing heavy industry as it moves toward net zero.

Simon shares both technical insights and industry perspectives from their roundtable discussion held at Decarb Connect UK in Manchester.

Why Tune In

• Hear how Frazer-Nash supports heavy industry with decarbonization assessments, emissions evaluations and technology integration strategies.
• Get the latest on carbon technologies: CCUS is gaining traction, hydrogen adoption faces price concerns, and direct air capture is starting to scale in the US.
• Explore the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to integrate into industrial sites, supported by government planning reforms.
• Understand the commercial viability challenges: economics and lead times are the real barriers to deploying new technologies.
• Learn what industry leaders are saying: insights from Frazer-Nash’s roundtable on practical challenges and real-world progress.

Recorded live at Decarb Connect UK Summit, March 2025.

Show links:

- Connect with Simon Smith and the team at Frazer-Nash Consultancy

- Follow Melissa Chew on LinkedIn and find how to get involved with the membership and work of Decarb Connect

Want to learn more about Decarb Connect?

We provide insights and introductions that derisk decision-making and support industrial leaders in deploying decarbonization and low carbon product strategy. Our global membership platform, events and facilitated introductions support commercial decarb planning and business models around the world. Our clients include the most energy-intensive industrials from cement, metals and mining, glass, ceramics, chemicals, O&G and many more along with technology disruptors, investors and advisors.

If you enjoyed this conversation, find out about our portfolio of events in US, Canada, UK and Europe – or explore our Decarbonisation Leaders Network (DLN), and learn why more than 200 members from the energy-intensive sectors have joined to share insights, meet partners who can accelerate their net zero plans and why it’s the fastest growing network of its kind.

• (00:00) - Introduction and background
• (00:43) - - How Frazer-Nash supports clients with decarbonization
• (01:13) - - Technology trends: carbon capture, hydrogen, and direct air capture
• (02:21) - - SMR roundtable discussion and government planning reforms
• (03:19) - - Industry interest and main concerns about SMR adoption
• (03:44) - - Business case challenges and carbon pricing
• (04:33) - - Key takeaways from Decarb Connect UK 2025
• (05:05) - - Wrap up

Recorded live at the Decarb Connect UK Summit in March, this episode features guest host Tom Angus, Senior Conference Producer at Decarb Connect in conversation with Eoin Bailey, Innovation and Circular Economy Manager at 7 Steel UK. Eoin shares his journey from automotive design engineer to steel industry innovator, and unpacks how 7 Steel is embedding circular economy principles to deliver more sustainable steel solutions for the UK construction sector.

*Please note: At the time of recording, 7 Steel UK was operating as Celsa Steel. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear it referred to by its former name.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Career evolution: How Bailey’s experience analysing product lifecycles sparked his focus on applying circular economy thinking in steel production.
• Circular steel in action: Celsa’s use of electric arc furnaces to recycle scrap steel into new construction materials, creating a closed-loop system that links demolition directly to procurement.
• Overcoming systemic barriers: The challenges of moving from linear “take-make-waste” models toward circular systems that extend material value and cut environmental impact.
• Green premiums and market positioning: Bailey's perspective that low-carbon steel shouldn't command premium pricing when it's produced as standard practice, emphasising the importance of transparent environmental product declarations
• Collaboration & policy shifts: The crucial role of industry collaboration and public sector policies in ensuring local, low-carbon steel competes with cheaper imports.

Please note: this podcast was recorded at Decarb Connect UK in March 2025

Show links:

- Connect with Eoin Bailey and the team at 7 Steel UK (formerly Celsa Steel)

- Follow Tom Angus on LinkedIn and find how to get involved with the membership and work of Decarb Connect

- Join the Decarb Connect Team and a network of hardtech investors and series B+ tech disruptors at Decarb TechInvest in Boston (September 2025)

Want to learn more about Decarb Connect?

We provide insights and introductions that derisk decision-making and support industrial leaders in deploying decarbonization and low carbon product strategy. Our global membership platform, events and facilitated introductions support commercial decarb planning and business models around the world. Our clients include the most energy-intensive industrials from cement, metals and mining, glass, ceramics, chemicals, O&G and many more along with technology disruptors, investors and advisors.

If you enjoyed this conversation, find out about our portfolio of events in US, Canada, UK and Europe – or explore our Decarbonisation Leaders Network (DLN), and learn why more than 200 members from the energy-intensive sectors have joined to share insights, meet partners who can accelerate their net zero plans and why it’s the fastest growing network of its kind.

• (00:05) - Introduction and Background
• (00:00) - Chapter 2
• (01:23) - Career Journey
• (00:00) - Chapter 4
• (01:56) - The Full Circle Moment
• (00:00) - Chapter 6
• (03:47) - Understanding Celsa Steel's Operations
• (00:00) - Chapter 8
• (05:36) - Linear vs. Circular Economy Models
• (00:00) - Chapter 10
• (07:26) - Overcoming Implementation Barriers
• (00:00) - Chapter 12
• (08:45) - Market-Driven Decarbonization and Green Premiums
• (00:00) - Chapter 14
• (10:41) - Supply Chain Education and Collaboration
• (00:00) - Chapter 16
• (12:11) - Summit Insights and Industry Collaboration
• (00:00) - Chapter 18
• (13:44) - Wrap up

Welcome to Podbites - short, sharp episodes designed to give you digestible insights on industrial decarbonisation.

In this episode, Tim Atkinson (Director, Sales & Trading at CFP Energy) joins guest host Melissa Chew (VP, Product at Decarb Connect) to explore why UK industrials must act now to build a resilient carbon strategy.

Recorded live at Decarb Connect UK in Manchester in March, the conversation unpacks the changes underway in carbon markets and why the firefighting of the 2022 energy crisis has shifted into an era of forward-looking strategy.

What You’ll Hear

• The paradigm shift: With the power sector slashing emissions by 74% in just a decade, industry is now in the spotlight to deliver the next wave of reductions.
• The rising cost of delay: Waiting until 2030 could see carbon allowance costs double - or even triple.
• The opportunity window: Crisis mode is over. Companies finally have space to develop long-term carbon and energy plans - but only if they move before the next market shock.
• The need to plan ahead: Forward hedging carbon costs when prices are favorable is becoming essential.
• The technology gap: Solutions like hydrogen and carbon capture are still developing, raising questions about whether carbon prices will rise high enough to justify investment.

Please note: this podcast was recorded at Decarb Connect UK in March 2025*

Show links:

- Connect with Tim Atkinson and the team at CFP Energy

- Follow Melissa Chew on LinkedIn and find how to get involved with the membership and work of Decarb Connect

- Join Mel and a network of hardtech investors and series B+ tech disruptors at Decarb TechInvest in Boston (September 2025)

Want to learn more about Decarb Connect?

We provide insights and introductions that derisk decision-making and support industrial leaders in deploying decarbonization and low carbon product strategy. Our global membership platform, events and facilitated introductions support commercial decarb planning and business models around the world. Our clients include the most energy-intensive industrials from cement, metals and mining, glass, ceramics, chemicals, O&G and many more along with technology disruptors, investors and advisors.

If you enjoyed this conversation, find out about our portfolio of events in US, Canada, UK and Europe – or explore our Decarbonisation Leaders Network (DLN), and learn why more than 200 members from the energy-intensive sectors have joined to share insights, meet partners who can accelerate their net zero plans and why it’s the fastest growing network of its kind.

• (00:00) - - Introduction & Guest Background
• (00:00) - Chapter 2
• (01:16) - - Market Uncertainty & Global Challenges
• (00:00) - Chapter 4
• (02:44) - - The 2022 Energy Crisis Impact
• (00:00) - Chapter 6
• (04:40) - - The Paradigm Shift - Why Now?
• (00:00) - Chapter 8
• (06:43) - - Technology Challenges & Rising Costs
• (00:00) - Chapter 10
• (08:09) - - Immediate Actions for Industrials
• (00:00) - Chapter 12
• (10:33) - Wrap-up