Khawar Syed has MSc and PhD degrees from Cranfield University. He has spent more than 30 years in the Gas Turbine industry, having initially focused on combustion modelling and then taking on leadership roles in combustion, within Siemens, Alstom, GE and Infosys. He has worked on and led the development and implementation of new low-emissions technologies, for multi-fuel and fuel flexible systems, including hydrogen, for both standard and reheat combustion applications. He presently holds the position of Chief Technology Officer at Crosstown H2R, based in Baden, Switzerland, which is focused on the decarbonization of gas turbines. He has previously held visiting professorships at Cardiff University and Imperial College, and is a regular contributor to the Cranfield Gas Turbine Combustion short course.

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.