September was the month when the energy conversation pivoted. Offshore Europe, the UK’s biggest energy event, showed that the future is not about “either/or” but about and.
Oil and gas and renewables. Energy security and decarbonisation. Protecting today’s jobs and creating tomorrow’s. The binary arguments - “shut it all down” versus “drill, baby, drill” - simply don’t capture the reality of the choices ahead.
Going into the conference, I wrote in The Scotsman that the debate is too often reduced to slogans and stunts, while the hard questions on energy security, affordability, and climate go unanswered. That contrast was clear to see: as activists unfurled banners offshore, tens of thousands of delegates in Aberdeen were debating carbon capture, hydrogen, offshore wind, and how the North Sea’s world-class supply chain can adapt to deliver them.
And this conversation stretched beyond the UK. At the United Nations, Donald Trump used his address to single out the North Sea, underlining its global significance as a test case for how advanced economies manage the balance between keeping the lights on and cutting emissions. The stakes could hardly be higher: the UK is facing an 11% annual decline in domestic output, rising dependence on imported LNG, and ambitious net zero deadlines. That means the focus must be on pragmatism, not polarisation.
At D2Zero, we see every day how that balance is being delivered in practice. Across our portfolio, companies are taking tangible steps to cut emissions, scale new technologies, and strengthen energy resilience. This month we’ve seen major contract wins, groundbreaking projects, and key leadership appointments that all reflect the same theme: making net zero possible through the art of the possible.
Score secures major contracts supporting Europe’s decarbonisation
Score has reinforced its role in Europe’s transition with two significant wins. The company will supply 480 custom-engineered valves to INEOS Energy’s Greensand Project in Denmark, which is set to store up to 400,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year — scaling to 8 million tonnes by 2030. Alongside this, Score has landed three framework agreements to deliver leak detection and repair services for INEOS, Ørsted, and Energinet, strengthening its position in emissions monitoring and supporting compliance with new EU regulations. Score has also unveiled the new MIDAS® Sensor for continuous through-valve leak detection, with live demonstrations and expert interviews on emissions, well integrity and gas turbines. One to watch!
Fuel Cell Systems wins UK hydrogen freight project
Fuel Cell Systems Ltd, part of Hydrasun, has been appointed Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Partner for the UK’s flagship HyHAUL initiative. The company will deliver four HyFleet refuelling systems along the M4 corridor to support the rollout of 30 hydrogen-powered HGVs by 2026, expanding to 300 by 2030. Hydrasun CEO Neil Thompson called the project “a testament to the vision and capability of the Fuel Cell Systems team,” following closely on the heels of successes such as the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub.
Strengthening leadership across the portfolio
This month has also seen several leadership appointments across D2Zero companies, reflecting our commitment to growth and innovation. At Kelton, Stuart Christie has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, John Rhodes joins as Chief Information Officer, and Rob O’Neill as Chief Business Development Officer — a team designed to expand operations, digital capabilities, and commercial reach. Nexos has named Shami Mahindru as Chief Commercial Officer, bringing over 20 years of global experience at AMEC, Worley, BP, and TotalEnergies. Meanwhile, Powerstar has confirmed David Seabridge as Chief Executive Officer, with Solon Mardapittas returning as Chief Technical Officer to drive product development across its smart power technologies.
The art of the possible
From carbon storage in Denmark to hydrogen freight on the M4, from cutting offshore emissions to strengthening leadership, D2Zero’s portfolio companies are proving that the energy transition is not an abstract debate.
It is happening now — built on engineering expertise, pragmatic choices, and a commitment to balance.
That is the art of the possible.
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