HSE employee wins award for research into new carbon technology

Date:

25 May 2010

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) employee has won a prestigious award for a paper on new technology that could help reduce global warming.

Mike Bilio received the accolade from the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) for a study of the health and safety implications of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) − an emerging technology which looks to prevent carbon dioxide, released by the burning of fossil fuels, reaching the atmosphere.

The winning paper, 'CO₂ Pipelines material and safety considerations', was co-authored by Mike and his colleagues at University College London and Leeds University.

The award was presented on Friday 21 May 2010 at the Carbon Capture and Storage Early Enablers Seminar where HSE, the Environment Agency (EA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) chaired discussions on CCS.

HSE's role is to enable the development of new energy technologies, such as CCS and ensure any new systems are designed, operated and maintained safely.

Mike Bilio, Process Integrity Leader of HSE's Offshore Division, said: "Having my contribution recognised by my peers in this way is an honour indeed, and recognises the expertise available within HSE.

"Carbon capture is an increasingly important area for development. We're doing nationally important work which will have a real impact on all our lives."

HSE Chair, Judith Hackitt, also a chemical engineer, who spoke at the event, said: "This is a real triumph for both Mike and HSE, and demonstrates our commitment to enabling the UK to innovate and implement carbon capture and other emerging technologies.

"There's still a lot to do, but by working together to identify and follow up research issues, HSE, EA and SEPA are ensuring that knowledge gaps are addressed and risks addressed as an integral part of the technology development."

Notes to editors

1. The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk
2. The Frank Lees Medal is awarded by the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Safety and Loss Prevention Subject Group for the 'most meritorious publication on the topic of safety and loss prevention' in an IChemE publication.

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