Swindon Science Cafe

16/09/24

Have you ever wondered how your everyday choices help combat climate change? Or why soil health is vital for the future of our planet? Perhaps you’re interested in the rush for cobalt – an essential element in batteries for electric vehicles and consumer electronics – and its cost to both the environment and human lives. If these questions spark your curiosity, then the Swindon Science Café is the perfect place for you!

Held on the first Tuesday of every month at the iCAST Creative Hub, this informal series brings science to life with fascinating talks and lively discussions in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. There are no long lectures – just an engaging, two-way conversation between researchers and an audience of curious minds.

The Festival of Tomorrow - Swindon Science Cafe

Join us on Tuesday, 4 February for a lively informal evening of discovery and discussion with William Mezzullo, Centrica

Hydrogen, the simplest and most abundant element in the universe, has the potential to be a critical solution in the transition towards low-carbon energy.

Hydrogen combustion produces almost no pollution. It can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity and heat as an energy source for buildings and vehicles. It also has the potential help decarbonize industrial processes that currently rely on fossil fuels, such as steelmaking.

Yet, there are limitations to using hydrogen. It requires a significant amount of energy to produce and can be challenging to store and transport. Furthermore, while fuel cells are becoming more efficient and cheaper, they are still more expensive than conventional combustion engines.

Join the discussion as we explore what role innovations in the hydrogen fuel sector may play in the global energy transition away from fossil fuels.

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William Mezzullo is Head of Hydrogen at Centrica Energy and Vice President of Hydrogen UK, one the leading trade associations in the UK. At Centrica, William is responsible for driving and overseeing the Group’s hydrogen aspirations. Centrica is active across the whole hydrogen value chain including production, distribution, storage and end-use; and is a strong promotor and thought-leader in a hydrogen whole-system approach.

Prior to joining Centrica, he was a Fund Lead at JLEN, a FTSE 250 renewable energy fund. William has worked in the renewable energy industry since 2010, developing and building commercial-scale green gas anaerobic digestion plants, where he was Head of Projects at Future Biogas, one of the largest anaerobic digestion companies in the UK. He holds a PhD from the University of Bath in bioenergy

Here’s a taste of the exciting talks planned for the next four months:

3rd December 2024: Soil Health with Dr David O’Connor, Royal Agricultural University
More about Dr. O’Connor
7th January 2025: Making Plastic from Christmas Trees with Professor Matthew Davidson, University of Bath / iCAST
More about Prof. Davidson
4th February 2025: Is Hydrogen the fuel of the future? with William Mezzullo, Centrica
More about William Mezzullo
4th March 2025: Ocean Climate Solutions? with Dr Philippe Blondel, University of Bath
More about Dr Philippe Blondel

Everyone is welcome

Come and express your views or just enjoy a drink and listen. No scientific knowledge is needed to take part - just bring your curiosity, and maybe your own bottle of choice.

A selection of light refreshments will be available in return for a donation on the night, or you are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks with you.

WHEN: The first Tuesday of each month, from 7pm - 9pm.

The screening will start around 7.15pm, followed by questions and discussion.

WHERE: Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) Creative Hub located in the iconic Carriage Works. 10 Carriage Works, Unit 7B, London Street, Swindon, SN1 5FB

Enter the following three words into the What Three Words app to find the exact location:

Front entrance: ///friday.index.solo

Rear entrance: ///cups.shell.face