The Process Automation Podcast

In this special bonus episode, we revisit the future of metals through the lens of experience. Frederik Esterhuizen, Business Line Manager at ABB, reflects on his 30-year journey in the metals sector: from the biggest shifts he’s witnessed in the industry to what 'future-proofing' really means today. He also shares his advice for the next generation entering the metals world. Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you...

Metals enable progress. They are essential to everything that shapes our daily lives, from infrastructure and transport to high technology. But with demand rising, how can the industry adapt to meet these needs in a responsible way? What steps will help to future-proof the sector? And why are automation, electrification and digitalization vital for the future of the metals industry?  

In this episode, host Fran Scott will be j...

The story of industrial automation begins with the Industrial Revolution, when machines first replaced human muscle, and extends to today’s advanced systems that operate some of the most complex industrial infrastructures on the planet.  

In today’s bonus episode, we explore that evolution through the eyes of the control room operator – tracing their journey from hands-on manual control to high-level system o...

The industrial workplace is evolving rapidly with increasing automation and digitalization of operations. How can organizations ensure that their existing workforce is not left behind?  Why is it crucial for companies to upskill their existing workforce? How does empowering current employees with new skills benefit the next generation workforce? 

Join podcast host Fran Scott, and April Whitson, Global Head of HR at ABB Pr...

Technology plays a key role in accelerating the energy transition. Yet, the true driving force is people: without human courage, curiosity, and care, innovations would remain idle theory. Across industry sectors, people aren’t just adapting to change – they are leading it, pushing boundaries to create a better future. So, how can industry attract, develop, and retain the next generation of engineers and innovators ...

Can CSS really help to combat the emissions from the hard-to-abate industries? What will the adoption of CCS in industry look like? How will policy play into the landscape of CCS development? What are the key aspects of the future of CCS and the role of the next generation in driving the energy transition?

 Join podcast host Fran Scott, and Dr Colin Hale from Imperial College London  to debunk some of the lies and discuss...

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has an important role to play in the energy transition – especially in helping decarbonize traditional energy and industrial infrastructure. 

CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and then transporting these, either by ship or pipeline, to be stored underground. But how can this technology help address industrial emissions at scale? And can innovations ...

How can remote operations reduce the need to be in hazardous environments and help improve workforce diversity? Do remote operations also contribute to reducing negative environmental impacts? And does this mean that in the future, human involvement on-site will decrease? 

Join podcast host Fran Scott, and Sanjit Shewale, Global Head of Digital at ABB Process Industries, to debunk some of the lies and discuss the truths about remot...

Many industrial facilities like mines, wind farms or marine vessels are often located in remote areas. Operating far from other infrastructure has its challenges, such as dealing with harsh weather conditions and ensuring that a qualified workforce is available at the right spot and time. 

Remote, however, doesn’t always mean far away: crane operators at container terminals can work from a control room rather than high up in a cran...

We return to look at Green Hydrogen and its potential to scale over the coming years. What do Hydrogen, Ammonia and Methanol have in common? What will it take to drive down the cost of Green Hydrogen production? And what role will technology play to make widespread adoption possible? 
  
Join host, Fran Scott, and technology expert Ralph Burgener, Global Product Line Manager, High Power Rectifier at ABB to debunk some of the ...

Green hydrogen has an important role to play in the global effort to achieve decarbonization goals. Produced using renewable energy, it offers the potential to help many industries move towards more sustainable operations.  

However, there are also challenges to overcome, including bringing down the costs of production as well as further developing the necessary infrastructure. 

In this episode, we will explore the question: Scalin...

We are back for a bonus episode to continue investigating Offshore Wind’s role in the energy transition. What could wind farms of the future look like? How can technology help ensure maximum efficiency in the process? And how much power is offshore wind capable of generating?  

Join host, Fran Scott, and Head of Supply Chain Development at Copenhagen Offshore Partners, Victoria Sinclair, to debunk some of the lies about Offshore Wi...

Offshore wind power plays an increasingly important role in the energy transition. According to the International Energy Agency, it’s expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. 

But the big question is: how to scale up this renewable energy source quickly and sustainably?  

Wind farms have existed around the world since the 1980s. What needs to be in place so the full potential of offshore wind can be realized? What technologica...

We continue our exploration into the move from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in Industry. Is it possible to reliably run industry on renewables?, What will the future make up of energy look like for industry? And how can technology help make this possible? 

Join host, Fran Scott, and process automation technology expert Stefan Basenach to debunk some of the lies about renewable energy and discuss the truths about the rea...

While industry is responsible for a substantial share of global greenhouse gas emissions, there is no denying the fact that as the world’s population grows, so will the demand for energy and materials. 

The big question is: how to meet these needs in the most sustainable way? 

Boosting energy efficiency and electrification are key, and so is increasing the share of renewables in industrial operations.  

But how can industry go abou...

The investigation continues into the invisible threat of methane emissions. Does methane impact our atmosphere in the long term? Can technology provide a solution? Join host, Fran Scott, and methane expert David Allen to debunk some of the lies about methane emissions and discuss the truths about this potent greenhouse gas.  

Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode. 

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Methane is the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide (CO2). According to the International Energy Agency, it is responsible for around 30 percent of the rise in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution. While methane absorbs more energy than CO2 in the atmosphere, it has a much shorter atmospheric lifespan – around 12 years. The good news is that tackling methane emissions can make a significa...

The Process Automation Podcast with presenter and engineer Fran Scott returns with a third season!

In this series, we'll discover how we can tackle harmful emissions, power industrial operations with renewables, and what energy sources we will see come into play in the future, all thanks to process automation.

Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss an episode. 

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Our smartphones, laptops and electric vehicles all need batteries to operate, but these powerhouses offer so much more, playing an important role in the clean energy transition.

In this episode of The Process Automation podcast, we delve into the world of batteries: how they are being used, their ongoing innovation and development, what happens when a battery reaches the end of its life and what we could expect from this technology...