Xoserve Decarb Discussions

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Xoserve Decarb Discussions is a dedicated podcast exploring the road to net zero for the gas industry. We’ll be talking to sector experts to examine some of the most pertinent issues when it comes to decarbonising gas - and what it means for those of us involved. We’ll also be bringing you inspiring stories from across the industry on our quest to reach net zero.

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22 recent

April 29, 2026Episode 2224 min

Geopolitics and gas: The cost of energy exposure

In this episode of the Decarb Discussions podcast, Xoserve’s Orlando Minervino and Poppy Airey, are joined by energy expert David Watson from BFY Group, to examine what the current conflict in the Middle East means for the UK energy system and the lessons policymakers and industry should take forward.Hear David’s reflections from more than 25 years working across the energy sector as he unpacks how closely the UK gas market is tied to wider geopolitical and macroeconomic events and how these might shape the long-term future of the UK gas sector.In this episode we discuss:The UK’s exposure to global gas price volatilityWhat the Russia–Ukraine crisis taught us (and what we still haven’t acted on)The energy “trilemma” of security, affordability and decarbonisationThe role of low-carbon gases, including biomethane and hydrogen, in reducing long-term price riskGas storage and the future of the UK gas networkWhy data, market governance and system rules need to operate at pace as the energy transition acceleratesIf you work in policy, gas industry, or have an interest in the future of energy, this episode offers valuable insights into current geopolitical events and the gas sector’s role in the energy transition.Xoserve Disclaimer: All opinions and statements made by Decarbonisation Discussion Podcasts participants are considered to be reflective of their individual viewpoint at the time of recording and shall not necessarily be considered as either representative of Xoserve’s opinion, or condoned as such by Xoserve or any of Xoserve’s employees. Xoserve shall not directly or indirectly endorse any participants commercial products or services as a result of them being referenced either during or as a result of the Podcast.

January 5, 2026Episode 2135 min

The energy transition: A future informed by the past

In this episode of the Decarb Discussions podcast, Xoserve’s Orlando Minervino and Poppy Airey, are joined by Professor Russell Thomas, energy historian and Technical Director at WSP, to discuss his latest report which explores the lessons learned from the transformation of the UK gas industry in the 1960s and 1970s.The conversion programme remains the largest energy transition in Great Britain and took over ten years to complete, affecting over 12 million domestic and 400 thousand commercial and industrial customers, as almost 35 million appliances were converted to natural gas. Its success was driven by meticulous planning and coordination – offering valuable insights as the UK embarks on another major energy transition.This episode explores Phase Two of the Lessons Learnt project, building on the research from Phase One, which examined the conversion from town gas to natural gas in the 1960s and 70s. In this second phase, the focus turns to the complex challenges of industrial and commercial conversion, alongside examples of gas network decommissioning and international approaches to decarbonisation. The Lessons Learnt project was commissioned by Wales & West Utilities and undertaken by researchers at WSP, in partnership with SGN, using Network Innovation Allowance funding.We discuss:The importance of planning, safety, and communication in large-scale energy conversion.The technical and social impacts of Northern Ireland’s gas network decommissioning.The challenges of industrial and commercial conversion, including bespoke solutions and workforce training.And some of the international approaches for Net Zero and decarbonisation strategies across Europe.If you work in policy, industry, or have an interest in the future of energy, this offers valuable insights into hydrogen’s role and potential in the UK’s energy transition.Xoserve Disclaimer: All opinions and statements made by Decarbonisation Discussion Podcasts participants are considered to be reflective of their individual viewpoint at the time of recording and shall not necessarily be considered as either representative of Xoserve’s opinion, or condoned as such by Xoserve or any of Xoserve’s employees. Xoserve shall not directly or indirectly endorse any participants commercial products or services as a result of them being referenced either during or as a result of the Podcast.

May 22, 202531 min

The hydrogen imperative: Unlocking the UK’s net zero opportunity

In this episode, we’re joined by Clare Jackson, of Hydrogen UK, to explore hydrogen’s critical role in delivering the UK’s net zero ambitions – and why the time to act is now.From the UK’s unique position as a politically stable, investment-friendly landscape to the staggering £20 billion of private investment poised to accelerate hydrogen deployment, Clare unpacks why hydrogen represents not just an energy solution, but a major economic growth opportunity.We dive into:Why there is no net zero pathway without hydrogenThe untapped £8 trillion global hydrogen marketThe essential role hydrogen could play in decarbonising heatWhy infrastructure investment – including 100TWh of storage – must start nowThe four 'quick wins' for accelerating hydrogen deployment.Whether you're in policy, industry or simply curious about the future of energy, this is a powerful look at the promise and potential of hydrogen in the UK’s energy transition.Xoserve Disclaimer: All opinions and statements made by Decarbonisation Discussion Podcasts participants are considered to be reflective of their individual viewpoint at the time of recording and shall not necessarily be considered as either representative of Xoserve’s opinion, or condoned as such by Xoserve or any of Xoserve’s employees. Xoserve shall not directly or indirectly endorse any participants commercial products or services as a result of them being referenced either during or as a result of the Podcast.

January 30, 2025Episode 1928 min

National Gas: a multifaceted approach to gas decarbonisation

In this episode of Decarb Discussions, our hosts James Verdon and Orlando Minervino are joined by Corinna Jones, Director of Clean Power at National Gas, to discuss the gas operator’s approach to decarbonisation.Hear how National Gas is aligning its green energy strategy with national and international net zero goals, and the diverse range of projects that are helping the company accelerate decarbonisation while continuing to serve gas customers in the interim. Hosted by James Verdon, Strategic Stakeholder Manager at Xoserve, and Orlando Minervino, Business Development Manager (Decarbonisation Strategy) at Xoserve.Guest Speaker: Corinna Jones, Director of Clean Power at National Gas.This episode covers:National Gas’ Three Molecule approach to gas decarbonisation Why there is no ‘silver bullet’ solution to gas decarbonisation, and why a mix of different technologies (biomethane, hydrogen, CCUS) will be keyNational Gas’ decarbonisation timeline and how this aligns with national and international net zero milestonesWhy regulatory clarity will be crucial to advance the decarbonisation agendaXoserve Disclaimer: All opinions and statements made by Decarbonisation Discussion Podcasts participants are considered to be reflective of their individual viewpoint at the time of recording and shall not necessarily be considered as either representative of Xoserve’s opinion, or condoned as such by Xoserve or any of Xoserve’s employees. Xoserve shall not directly or indirectly endorse any participants commercial products or services as a result of them being referenced either during or as a result of the Podcast.

December 9, 20244 min

Meet DecarbDiscussion’s new co-host, Orlando Minervino

DecarbDiscussions is back with a new co-host: Orlando Minervino, Xoserve’s new Business Development Manager, as well as one of our main decarbonisation experts.Find out more about Orlando’s expertise and the wealth of knowledge he brings to Xoserve.Hosted by James Verdon, Strategic Stakeholder Manager, Xoserve.Guest Speaker: Orlando Minervino, Business Development Manager (Decarbonisation Strategy), Xoserve.This episode covers:Orlando’s background in the energy and sustainability spaceHis views on why we’re at a crucial moment in the clean energy transitionXoserve’s role in helping the industry transition to a more sustainable futureXoserve Disclaimer:All opinions and statements made by Decarbonisation Discussion Podcasts participants are considered to be reflective of their individual viewpoint at the time of recording and shall not necessarily be considered as either representative of Xoserve’s opinion,or condoned as such by Xoserve or any of Xoserve’s employees.Xoserve shall not directly or indirectly endorse any participants’ commercial products or services as a result of them being referenced either during or as a result of the Podcast.Xoserve Disclaimer: All opinions and statements made by Decarbonisation Discussion Podcasts participants are considered to be reflective of their individual viewpoint at the time of recording and shall not necessarily be considered as either representative of Xoserve’s opinion, or condoned as such by Xoserve or any of Xoserve’s employees. Xoserve shall not directly or indirectly endorse any participants commercial products or services as a result of them being referenced either during or as a result of the Podcast.

September 3, 2024Episode 1716 min

The sustainable progress being made at Tyseley Energy Park

In this episode of Decarb Discussions, Xoserve’s James Verdon speaks to Tommy Allsopp, Sustainability Manager at Tyseley Energy Park.Bringing together industry, academics and local government, Tyseley Energy Park is on a mission to transform clean energy innovation in Birmingham and the wider region. By demonstrating new technologies and turning them into commercially viable energy systems, it hopes to deliver a greener, cleaner and healthier Birmingham.With James having spoken to David Horsfall, Director of Property and Sustainability at Tyseley Energy Park, in the previous episode, this instalment sees him interview Tommy to understand how Tyseley Energy Park is progressing on its clean energy journey.Hosted by James Verdon, Strategic Stakeholder Manager at XoserveGuest Speaker: Tommy Allsopp, Sustainability Manager at Tyseley Energy ParkThis episode covers how Tyseley Energy Park is:Engaging with local communitiesSupporting regeneration in the local areaHelping policymakers take steps towards developing localised energy ecosystemsTommy also shares his views on how streamlining regulations would be beneficial to a site like Tyseley Energy Park.Xoserve Disclaimer: All opinions and statements made by Decarbonisation Discussion Podcasts participants are considered to be reflective of their individual viewpoint at the time of recording and shall not necessarily be considered as either representative of Xoserve’s opinion, or condoned as such by Xoserve or any of Xoserve’s employees. Xoserve shall not directly or indirectly endorse any participants commercial products or services as a result of them being referenced either during or as a result of the Podcast.

July 29, 2024Episode 1629 min

The past, present and future of Tyseley Energy Park

In this episode of Decarb Discussions, our host James Verdon is joined by David Horsfall, Director of Property and Sustainability at Tyseley Energy Park (TEP). Listen as they discuss the long history of TEP’s site, the significance of its strategic location, and the exciting current and future projects going on in this unique environmental innovation hub. Hosted by James Verdon, Strategic Stakeholder Manager, XoserveGuest Speaker: David Horsfall, Director of Property and Sustainability at Tyseley Energy ParkThis episode covers:The history and milestones of Tyseley Energy Park’s siteOngoing projects focused on decarbonisation and the energy transition, as well as current partnerships and collaborations with businesses, public sector organisations and the academia How Tyseley Energy Park will evolve and what exciting new projects are in the pipelineHow the energy innovations explored at Tyseley Energy Park can be applied at scale to help achieve the UK’s decarbonisation goalsXoserve Disclaimer: All opinions and statements made by Decarbonisation Discussion Podcasts participants are considered to be reflective of their individual viewpoint at the time of recording and shall not necessarily be considered as either representative of Xoserve’s opinion, or condoned as such by Xoserve or any of Xoserve’s employees. Xoserve shall not directly or indirectly endorse any participants commercial products or services as a result of them being referenced either during or as a result of the Podcast.

May 7, 2024Episode 1521 min

Reshaping the UK’s gas infrastructure: what can we learn from the past?

In this episode of Decarb Discussions, our host James Verdon is joined by Professor Russell Thomas, who recently published a paper on the transformation of the UK gas industry between 1949 and the end of the 1980s.Listen as they discuss the challenges of the sector during the nationalisation of the gas distribution system, and what lessons can be learned to help with today’s decarbonisation agenda.Hosted by James Verdon, Strategic Stakeholder Manager, XoserveGuest Speaker: Russell Thomas, Technical Director at WSP and Visiting Professor at the University of StrathclydeThis episode covers:How the gas distribution system changed between 1949 and the end of the 1980sWhy the industry’s large-scale transformation is possible and necessaryHow past transformation initiatives can inform today’s decarbonisation agenda (challenges and lessons learned)The role of training and upskilling in a rapidly evolving industryThe importance of communication and community engagement for a successful transformation programmeXoserve Disclaimer: All opinions and statements made by Decarbonisation Discussion Podcasts participants are considered to be reflective of their individual viewpoint at the time of recording and shall not necessarily be considered as either representative of Xoserve’s opinion, or condoned as such by Xoserve or any of Xoserve’s employees. Xoserve shall not directly or indirectly endorse any participants commercial products or services as a result of them being referenced either during or as a result of the Podcast.

April 17, 2024Episode 1421 min

Championing and supporting women in energy and utilities

In this episode of Decarb Discussions, Victoria Mustard, Xoserve's former Decarbonisation Strategy Lead spoke with a wide range of people from across the utilities industry about what can be done to better empower, encourage and support women in the energy and utility industry.Hosted by Victoria Mustard, Decarbonisation Strategy Lead, XoserveGuest speakers:Della Newton, Global Energy Management and Sales at ENGIESophie Dooley, Consultant at Engage ConsultingAyena Gupta, Head of DCC Oversight & Regulatory ReviewMelissa Giordano, Deputy Director of Retail Systems and Processes at OfgemJo Layton, Data Quality Manager at npowerStella Matthews, Head of Business Operations and Portfolio Management at N-Gen Energy SolutionsSteve Brittan, CEO of XoserveJames Verdon, Stakeholder Manager at XoserveThis episode covers:What advice they would offer to their younger selvesWhat they would say to someone joining the utilities industry todayWhat can be done to encourage more women into senior rolesHow greater diversity and inclusion can be encouraged and adoptedXoserve Disclaimer: All opinions and statements made by Decarbonisation Discussion Podcasts participants are considered to be reflective of their individual viewpoint at the time of recording and shall not necessarily be considered as either representative of Xoserve’s opinion, or condoned as such by Xoserve or any of Xoserve’s employees. Xoserve shall not directly or indirectly endorse any participants commercial products or services as a result of them being referenced either during or as a result of the Podcast.

December 12, 2023Episode 1331 min

Considering fuel poverty as the energy system changes

In this episode of Decarb Discussions, join Xoserve’s Victoria Mustard as she talks to Matthew Cole, Head of Fuel Bank Foundation.Matthew’s work brings him into contact with many UK families and individuals struggling with fuel poverty. These are often people who understand very well how important energy efficiency is but can’t fund efficiency measures; people who expect to go without heat and light for part of every month; people regularly forgotten in conversations about the future of heat and energy.Hosted by Victoria Mustard, Decarbonisation Strategy Lead, XoserveGuest Speaker: Matthew Cole, Head of Fuel Bank FoundationThis episode covers:How energy efficiency can help us get to net zeroWhy our future energy system must work for everyoneHow data could help us overhaul the energy grant systemHow better communication on energy can make a difference.Want to support Fuel Bank Foundation, or get help yourself? Please visit www.fuelbankfoundation.orgXoserve Disclaimer: All opinions and statements made by Decarbonisation Discussion Podcasts participants are considered to be reflective of their individual viewpoint at the time of recording and shall not necessarily be considered as either representative of Xoserve’s opinion, or condoned as such by Xoserve or any of Xoserve’s employees. Xoserve shall not directly or indirectly endorse any participants commercial products or services as a result of them being referenced either during or as a result of the Podcast.