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Cement - a critical UK resource with Dr Diana Casey
In today's episode we’re diving into cement – a material that underpins every road, every railway, every school, hospital, bridge, and home we build.Because without it, the UK’s infrastructure ambitions would, quite literally, crumble!My guest today is Dr Diana Casey, executive director for cement, energy and climate at the Mineral Products Association (MPA). As she knows only too well, cement may not grab headlines in the way that high-speed rail or offshore wind does, but it is the backbone of our built environment.And right now, the UK faces a major challenge.As the Labour government pushes ahead with its ambitious target to deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years, alongside a significant infrastructure pipeline, the question is simple — do we have the cement we need? And if not, where will it come from?The Mineral Products Association, representing the UK’s cement producers, warns that domestic manufacturing has become increasingly uncompetitive in the face of high costs, leading to imports tripling over the past two decades. Relying on overseas supply exposes us to volatile global markets, supply chain disruption, and the risk of project delays.It also means losing out on skilled, well-paid jobs in the regions where cement is made.So, what needs to change to secure the UK’s cement future? And to secure it with the all important lower carbon footprint demanded by our net zero targets.From a watertight Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to fairer public procurement, and from support for carbon capture technology to a clearer industrial strategy, the debate is as much about national security and economic resilience as it is about decarbonisation.So let’s find out out more.ResourcesMineral Products Association websiteMPA cement factsDecarbonising UK Concrete and CementCarbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)MPA This is concrete campaign
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HS2 - "Off the Rails" with Sally Gimson
In today's bumper post summer special episode we return to the HS2 project - infrastructure’s poster child for delay and cost overrun – as we discuss the content of a brand new book examining how this project went, as the title suggests, so badly Off the Rails.Few infrastructure projects in British history have generated as much debate and scrutiny as HS2; becoming a lightning rod for wider conversations about the UK’s ability to deliver major infrastructure on time, on budget, and with public trust.And as we heard in episode 122 with James Stewart, for many, the project was flawed from day 1, with questions hanging heavy over its value for money, environmental impact, and the opportunity costs of such vast investment.Yet supporters hail it as a vital means to rebalance the UK’s economy, boosting connectivity and capacity and securing the nation’s greener transport future. My guest today is journalist and author Sally Gimson who has spent the last few years getting stuck into the history, politics and personalities of the project. She has delivered it all up as “Off the rails” a compelling and informing read that gets under the skin of the project and attempt to make sense of the madness that has surrounded the project.From spiralling costs and shifting political priorities to the complex realities of engineering one of the most ambitious transport schemes in Europe, Sally has explored why HS2 has faced challenges at every stage. To be fair, few observers have had the time—or the courage—to dig into the full story, unpicking the web of decisions, ambitions, and compromises that have shaped HS2’s journey. Sally has done just that, revealing what the project says about the UK’s infrastructure machine. It’s a story that blends ambition and caution, engineering brilliance and political miscalculation, and one that goes far beyond a single railway line. In short, it's a fascinating and compelling read.ResourcesOff the Rails by Sally GimsonThe Stewart Review: The HS2 ExperienceMark Wild's CEO first 100 days review of HS2HS2 website
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Commissioning is not testing with Paul Turner
In today's episode we revisit the subject of project commissioning - a vital, often underestimated stage of infrastructure delivery. What is commissioning – well in a nutshell it’s the complex process of preparing an asset to operate exactly as intended from day one. So to be clear, it's not testing!And to discuss this we are back with Paul Turner, chief executive of the newly renamed Institute of Commissioning & Assurance. This time last year Paul had just launched what was then the Industrial Commissioning Association – ICxA - a Canada-based organisation with a global mission to raise commissioning standards across infrastructure, industrial, and process sectors. Since then, it’s expanded rapidly – growing to over 4,300 members, forming 27 local chapters, establishing a Board of Directors, and convening an Advisory Council to guide strategy and outreach. And changed its name – more on that later I’m sureIn its second year, ICxA has moved from advocacy into delivery. It has launched two new global standards – one defining best practice in commissioning, the other focusing on outcome assurance, helping to reduce the all-too-common risks of delayed openings, unexpected failures, and spiralling costs.On top of that, ICxA has created a commissioning certification framework and a career development pathway to support both current professionals and the next generation of project leaders So let’s hear more about how the association has matured, and about how these new standards and certifications can transform project outcomes.ResourcesICxA website: www.icxa.netICxA Podcast ICxA Free MembershipICxA CertificationInfrastructure Podcast episode 82 - Commissioning for Success
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Nuclear waste solutions with Mike Pigott
In this episode we’re focusing on the management of nuclear waste; one of the most complex, long-term, and often misunderstood aspects of the UK’s energy future.Because while nuclear power is increasingly seen as a vital part of the transition to a low-carbon energy system, - and the UK government has just committed tens of billions of public pounds to accelerating its development - the question of what we do with the waste it produces remains both a technical and social challenge.At the heart of the UK’s approach is Nuclear Waste Services, part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The organisation is charged with safely managing the UK’s radioactive waste — waste that includes the low level materials generated today by nuclear power stations through to the legacy waste from decades of energy production, reprocessing, and defence activity. It’s a huge task, requiring not just robust infrastructure and rigorous safety standards, but also long-term thinking, innovation, and trust.Joining me to help make sense of this challenge is Mike Pigott, Director of Waste Operations and Sites at Nuclear Waste Services. Mike brings deep experience across the full lifecycle of the nuclear industry — from working on operational power stations and nuclear new builds to reprocessing and, now, long-term waste disposal. He’s also worked as a regulator, advisor, and duty holder in the UK and overseas. He currently oversees the UK’s Low Level Waste Repository, where over 750,000 cubic metres of radioactive waste has already been disposed of.All of which make him well placed to explain the UK’s current and future approach to nuclear waste management!ResourcesNuclear Waste Services websiteLow Level Waste DepositoryNuclear Decommissioning AuthorityGovernment announcement to invest in new nuclearGeological Disposal Facility
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Water sector reset with Blair Mitchell
In today’s episode we’re diving into one of the most pressing – and controversial – sectors in UK infrastructure: water.Following years of public outrage over pollution, poor service and rising bills, the water industry in England and Wales now faces a once-in-a-generation reckoning. That reckoning arrived this month with the publication of the final report from the Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe. Backed by over 50,000 responses and extensive consultation, the report sets out 88 recommendations to overhaul the way water is regulated, governed and delivered.It proposes sweeping reforms: replacing Ofwat with a new integrated water regulator, creating regional water planning authorities, mandating compulsory water metering, and embedding a new “public benefit” duty into water company licences. It also calls for a National Water Strategy and much tighter regulation of company ownership, governance and long-term resilience. In short, no one comes out of this review smelling of roses – not the government; not the regulators; not the water companies. As Sir Jon puts it “This sector requires fundamental reform on all sides”.Meanwhile, Ofwat’s PR24 price review landed with a heavy thud at the back end of last year, demanding a 21% uplift in investment over AMP8, challenging companies with tough efficiency expectations and a step change in renewing creaking assets. The sector faces the daunting task of transforming itself while remaining affordable, investable – and trusted. To unpack the Commission’s findings and explore the future direction of the sector, I’m joined today by Blair Mitchell, Managing Director for Water at WSP. Blair has spent three decades working across all sides of the water sector – as a client, as a supplier and advising on everything from resilience and regulation to long-term asset strategy. So I’m hoping he will be able to put some context to what is clearly a landmark moment for everyone involved in the water sector. Let’s find out ….ResourcesThe Cunliffe ReviewThe Cunliffe interim reviewOfwat PR24 Price DeterminationScottish Water strategic planWSP website - water
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