Welcome to Podbites - short, sharp episodes designed to give you digestible insights on industrial decarbonisation.

In this episode, Tim Atkinson (Director, Sales & Trading at CFP Energy) joins guest host Melissa Chew (VP, Product at Decarb Connect) to explore why UK industrials must act now to build a resilient carbon strategy.

Recorded live at Decarb Connect UK in Manchester in March, the conversation unpacks the changes underway in carbon markets and why the firefighting of the 2022 energy crisis has shifted into an era of forward-looking strategy.

What You’ll Hear

• The paradigm shift: With the power sector slashing emissions by 74% in just a decade, industry is now in the spotlight to deliver the next wave of reductions.
• The rising cost of delay: Waiting until 2030 could see carbon allowance costs double - or even triple.
• The opportunity window: Crisis mode is over. Companies finally have space to develop long-term carbon and energy plans - but only if they move before the next market shock.
• The need to plan ahead: Forward hedging carbon costs when prices are favorable is becoming essential.
• The technology gap: Solutions like hydrogen and carbon capture are still developing, raising questions about whether carbon prices will rise high enough to justify investment.

Please note: this podcast was recorded at Decarb Connect UK in March 2025*

Show links: 

-          Connect with Tim Atkinson and the team at CFP Energy

-          Follow Melissa Chew on LinkedIn and find how to get involved with the membership and work of Decarb Connect

-          Join Mel and a network of hardtech investors and series B+ tech disruptors at Decarb TechInvest in Boston (September 2025)

Want to learn more about Decarb Connect? 

We provide insights and introductions that derisk decision-making and support industrial leaders in deploying decarbonization and low carbon product strategy. Our global membership platform, events and facilitated introductions support commercial decarb planning and business models around the world. Our clients include the most energy-intensive industrials from cement, metals and mining, glass, ceramics, chemicals, O&G and many more along with technology disruptors, investors and advisors. 

If you enjoyed this conversation, find out about our portfolio of events in US, Canada, UK and Europe – or explore our Decarbonisation Leaders Network (DLN), and learn why more than 200 members from the energy-intensive sectors have joined to share insights, meet partners who can accelerate their net zero plans and why it’s the fastest growing network of its kind. 

• (00:00) - - Introduction & Guest Background