Worley, in collaboration with Princeton University’s Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, has unveiled the fourth instalment of its “From Ambition to Reality” series.
This latest paper explores the critical role of trust in delivering net zero infrastructure, highlighting its importance for improved project performance and as an enabler of the delivery paradigm shifts necessary to achieve net zero goals.
The paper addresses several key points:
- The essential nature of trust in delivering net zero infrastructure
- The impact of trust deficits on decarbonisation technologies, particularly Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
- Practical insights for energy transition participants
While progress is being made towards closing the gap between ambition and reality in net zero infrastructure delivery, the paper indicates that the pace is still insufficient to meet mid-century targets.
Worley‘s research suggests that a lack of trust is a significant factor hindering progress.
The paper introduces the concept of a “virtuous cycle” where trust enables the adoption of five key shifts in delivery practice (FATR shifts) identified in previous papers.
As these shifts are implemented, they in turn build more trust.
This cycle is seen as crucial for accelerating the paradigm change needed to meet the unprecedented scale and speed of infrastructure development required for net zero goals.
The research highlights the US carbon capture and storage industry as an example where trust deficits are impeding progress.
Findings reveal that public trust in CCS projects is lower than industry professionals perceive, and there is significant scepticism among CCS professionals regarding information from various stakeholders.
Recognising the complexity of trust in infrastructure projects, Worley and Princeton researchers are developing an “Infrastructure for Trust” framework.
This ongoing project, supported by Worley and involving experts from Princeton’s Faith & Work Initiative, aims to establish and maintain deep trust between energy transition stakeholders.
As the world faces its greatest infrastructure challenge, Worley’s paper underscores that ambition alone is insufficient.
The company advocates for a new paradigm that removes roadblocks and accelerates delivery response, with trust as a key component.
This approach is encapsulated in their concept of “net zero at the speed of trust”.
