Accelerating industrial Net Zero: Integrating process innovation, circular economy, and pilot-scale testing to de-risk clean technology adoption

About this presentation

“Accelerating the path to net zero in energy- and emissions-intensive industries requires an integrated approach combining process innovation, circular economy principles, and robust pilot-scale testing. This presentation explores how these three pillars can work together to de-risk the deployment of clean technologies and enable scalable, low-carbon solutions.

Key themes include:

• Process Innovation: Advancements in low-carbon industrial processes, including fuel switching, electrification, and resource efficiency
• Circular Economy: Approaches to valorising industrial by-products and closing material loops in sectors such as steel, cement, and chemicals
• Pilot-Scale Testing: The importance of bridging lab-scale innovation and commercial deployment through pilot-scale trials, helping reduce technical and economic uncertainties

Drawing on insights and case studies from collaborative projects led by the Materials Processing Institute, this session highlights the critical role of applied innovation and scale-up infrastructure in supporting industrial decarbonisation. The talk contributes to CHEMUK 2025’s focus on enabling net-zero transformation across the UK chemical and process industries.”

Speaker Bio:

Dr Hichem Hakka is a senior leader with over 15 years of international experience across the energy, aerospace, automotive, petrochemical, and foundation industries. Currently Group Leader for Energy and Process Decarbonisation at the Materials Processing Institute, he leads a multidisciplinary team focused on delivering industrial-scale low-carbon solutions—including hydrogen integration, carbon capture and utilisation, electrification, and advanced process optimisation.

He holds a PhD in chemical process and product engineering and has a dual strength in experimental development and advanced modelling. His career includes high-profile roles at Shell, where he supported motorsport applications for Ferrari and Ducati, as well as contributing to major hazards and safety management initiatives; at Rolls-Royce, where he led hypersonic and future combat-jet engine systems; and in technology start-ups tackling environmental challenges.

Dr Hakka manages a broad project portfolio spanning R&D, commercial delivery, and strategy. He leads on people development, asset management, and safety, while building partnerships across industry and academia.

Multilingual and globally experienced, he brings a combination of deep technical expertise, operational delivery, and strategic vision to advancing industrial decarbonisation.