The British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) is hosting its annual conference on 15 May 2025 at Worsley Park in Manchester.
The event brings together representatives from across the industrial, medical, food, environmental, and transport sectors for a day of presentations, discussion, and networking.
The programme will cover legislative and technical developments affecting the compressed gases sector, as well as broader topics such as hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, decarbonisation, and healthcare delivery.
David Hurren, former BCGA Chair and independent renewable energy consultant, said the structure of this year’s programme is designed to provide a broad overview before moving into more technical and specialist areas.
“I like the way the agenda progresses from updates on BCGA activities through to in-depth specialist areas before closing with a session and keynote where everyone can learn,” he told gasworld. “It’s also great to see that at least two of the new technical subcommittee chairs will be on stage during the day, reflecting the evolution that is ongoing to bring increased diversity to the work of the association.”
That evolution is also reflected in the audience profile. “What we saw last year was that about two thirds of the audience were at their first or second conference,” Hurren added. “This is bringing fresh insight, and the programmes are looking to reflect that.”
The 2025 line-up includes Caitlin Sargeant and Dr John Vickers of HyKit, who will discuss developments in hydrogen mobility systems, while Bjørn Utgård, VP of Strategy at direct air capture (DAC) outfit Skytree, will examine the role of DAC in industrial decarbonisation.
Dangerous goods compliance and transport risks will be addressed by Dan Lee, an independent DGSA, and Craig Fraser of Mediterranean Shipping Company (UK). The programme also features a session from Claire Hole, Clinical Manager at Baywater Healthcare, on patient experience and service standards in the healthcare sector.
Closing the day will be a keynote address from Captain Emma Henderson, former commercial airline pilot and founder of Project Wingman, who will speak about leadership, wellbeing, and the power of cross-industry collaboration during crisis.
“The conference covers a wide range of subjects,” said Hurren. “It is an opportunity to educate but also to promote cross-pollination of ideas and topics.”
Hurren, who will speak at the event, said his session will focus on biogenic CO2 as an emerging opportunity.
“I’ll be looking to talk about how biogenic CO2 is a major opportunity and I’ll probably be mentioning gasworld’s Atom product for CO2 that I’ve been enjoying working with,” he said.
While the content is a draw, Hurren added that the conference’s real value often lies in informal conversations. “I’m taking a break from time on the Cornish coast to attend, so I do value this event. The programme looks great, but for me it’s the networking and the people discussions, including a catch-up with this year’s keynote speaker.”
