Collaboration is the name of the game

Tank Storage Magazine checks out the hot topics discussed at last month’s TSA Conference

THE 21ST EDITION of the

Tank Storage Association (TSA) Conference 2022 took place in Coventry, UK this September. The conference is always a good opportunity to network with professionals in the industry, and this year’s was no exception. In fact, it was maxed out. After chairman Peter McKay opened the conference, the first keynote speech came from Irina Patrahau, strategic analyst, and Michel Rademaker, deputy director, both from The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies. Patrahau first presented the Hague Centre’s analysis of how the European storage tank sector is set to evolve. Looking first at the situation today, with record energy prices, Patrahau explained how the Russian oil boycott has led to the global energy trade map being redrawn.

EUROPE’S ENERGY TRANSITION

As Europe moves away from Russian gas and oil, new producers are coming up. Patrahau suggests the new market players are likely to be countries in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. While the Hague’s prediction to 2030 looks to be influenced by Europe, the outlook to 2050 tells a different story. As the world weans itself off fossil fuels and the demand for renewables increases, countries in the southern hemisphere will come to the forefront of the energy market. This is partly due to the ready availability of solar and hydrogen – though efficient transportation and storage of these future fuels will require a radical infrastructure transformation. Rademaker’s follow-up featured a Mentimeter for interactive audience participation – very similar to his presentation at FETSA 2022. This was a good litmus test for understanding how the industry is feeling. The most common concerns over the proposed energy transition were time, cost and uncertainty, with many in the audience stating that the UK’s policies are unrealistic. The takeaway from Rademaker’s Mentimeter session was that industry needs to come together to lobby the government and share ideas, but also that there should be more clarity on exactly what the legislation means and the timelines that are expected. The overarching message from Rademaker was to be proactive. Tank professionals need to take a collaborative approach to engage policy makers and investors. ‘The energy transition won’t wait for you,’ he said.

HANDS-ON OPPORTUNITIES

Deb Pal, consultancy director from Stopford and World Fuel Services’ Director of Supply Operations EMEA Aviation, Daniel Brain, followed the interactive session. Each presented a report looking at the benefits and considerations for tank owners looking to decarbonise their products with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Throughout the day, between talks on the climate emergency (Judy Proctor at the Environment Agency) and the government’s new health and safety regulations (Jane Lassey, HSE director of Chemicals, Explosives & Microbiological Hazards Division), there was time to network with companies showcasing a wide range of products and solutions. Plus, there were plenty of robotics innovations on display for tank cleaning and inspection – and what conference is complete without a robotics test drive in the car park! Dr Niall Ramsden talked about the work LastFire is doing to develop and promote fluorine-free firefighting foam – completed with vivid photos of test results and sobering reminder of what happens when firefighting goes wrong. The day rounded off with an important conversation about mental health and wellbeing from Mandy Rutter, an independent consultant specialising in mental health, trauma, resilience and human aspects of business continuity. Rutter’s presentation looked at both the mental and physical health of tank storage professionals and was a timely reminder to the industry to check in with employees. Rutter also offered tangible support by reminding the audience of various services and helplines they can access.

ROLE FOR THE TSA

The TSA Conference was an excellent networking opportunity but also a reminder to industry that in order to successfully role out the transition to green energy, companies need to work together and share ideas. The role of TSA should be to facilitate that collaborative approach and educate the public, with the sector working as a single organisation.

For more information: www.tankstorage.org.uk