Federico Bonzani brings 30+ years of experience in power generation and joined Ansaldo Energia in 1995, initially focusing on Combustion Technology. After holding various engineering leadership roles in the Company, since 2020 he has served as Director of the Product and Technology Unit in Switzerland and Italy. In 2024 he has been nominated Chief Technology Officer of the Company, and he is currently reporting to CEO. His current scope oversees gas turbine, steam turbine and generator development and R&D budget management across Ansaldo Energia portfolio.

Day 2: Thursday January 15th | 12:00 – 13:20

Title: Turbomachinery for decarbonization (Power/ Propulsion)

Moderator: Christer Björkqvist (ETN)

Panelists: Federico Bonzani (Ansaldo), Christopher Johnston (PSM), Vince Sidwell (Pratt & Whitney), Khawar Syed (Crosstown H2R)

Abstract:

As energy systems and aviation face rising demand, tightening climate targets and growing geopolitical uncertainty, turbomachinery is asked to deliver more than ever before. Gas turbines are expected not only to secure system reliability through increased operational flexibility, but also to provide credible, scalable pathways for deep emissions reduction across both power generation and aviation propulsion.
This high-level panel brings together large-frame and industrial OEMs, retrofit combustion innovators and aviation propulsion experts to explore how turbomachinery can evolve to meet these challenges. Drawing on perspectives from both stationary power and propulsion, the discussion will examine how fuel flexibility, hydrogen readiness, CCS integration and efficiency improvements can form a resilient portfolio of decarbonisation solutions.
A central element of the session is an interactive exploration of three future energy-system scenarios reflecting different trajectories for renewable deployment, hydrogen availability, infrastructure readiness and system adequacy. These scenarios provide the framework for assessing how turbomachinery will be designed, operated and invested in over the 2030–2040 timeframe.
The panel will focus on three critical factors shaping deployment:
1. supply-chain capacity and manufacturing constraints for new-build and retrofit solutions;
2. operational readiness, safety and certification for hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels;
3. Investment gaps between lifecycle cost and revenue for low-emission turbomachinery and technical opportunities to reduce them.

The discussion will also highlight cross-learning between stationery and aviation applications, including hybrid-electric and turbogenerator concepts.
Participants will gain strategic and technical insight into how deployable low-emission gas turbine solutions covering hydrogen, CCS, biofuels and efficiency enhancements can support a secure, affordable and net-zero energy and propulsion system. The session will underline why, in an uncertain future, turbomachinery is not merely a transition technology, but a resilient destination technology.