Innovation

The main driver of Worley is discovering how to move from traditional type work into sustainable work such as green hydrogen. In the view that resources such as oil and gas are a clear danger to the environment and the climate, Worley has collaborated with various companies to create projects of implementing green hydrogen, reducing the negative effects they impose.

The Green hydrogen method includes electrolysis where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using a device called an electrolyser. The extracted Hydrogen from the renewable source(water) and natural gas is refined to remove the impurities.

The final process consists of Hydrogen being supplied to various sectors whom Worley serves as a supplier for. In these sectors the Hydrogen is used for production of steel and as clean fuel in aviation and vehicles, where it can be converted into green electricity in grid scales. This reduces the carbon footprint which is the main cause of human-induced climate change in todays world.

Inspiration

Worley was founded in 1971 by John Grill, who is currently the executive chairman of the business today. The company originated in North Sydney, Australia when John Grill joined a small engineering consulting firm. Since then, Worley has established itself all around the globe through several successful ventures and projects. The main inspiration behind the organization’s innovation was John Grill’s strong passion to make a positive difference in the world. This passion has led to a company wide mission of creating a more sustainable future, which is now Worley’s strapline. Vice president, Daniel McAteer, stated that “this really came about because the whole company, including me as an individual, really believe we can make a difference”. It is evident that the determination of Worley’s entire workforce is a crucial element in their innovative impact on the world. It is also important to mention CEO, Chris Ashton, who took this innovation on as a personal project and has been working to transform the business over the past three years. Through this mission, all members of Worley have been incorporated into the journey of Green Hydrogen where passion and determination have led to inspirational success.

Overall impact

The United Nations Environment Programme provides guidelines for voluntary use by organizations to report on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of their activities, products and services. As a signatory to the UN Global Compact, Worley submits a communication on progress each year, detailing its commitment to sustainable development. Issues are viewed through the lens of the UN SDGs and so assessment is conducted in line with the principle of double materiality. There are three main goals which the Green Hydrogen Innovation has significant impact on are Industry, Innovation, and infrastructure (9); Climate Action (13); and Affordable and Clean Energy (7). The Green Hydrogen projects Worley engages in and their incredible expertise contribute to these goals in a number of ways. To date, the organization has done over 4000 sustainable projects with a significant number of these being hydrogen-related initiatives.

The main focus of the Green Hydrogen innovation is that it contributes to the generation of clean energy which is reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. Additionally, Worley’s innovation has given increased access to energy in regions where it may have not been accessible previously. Vice president, Daniel McAteer, is currently involved in a green hydrogen project with BP which is running from May 2023 to mid 2027. He stated that the whole premise of this is to get clean and affordable energy through continual innovation. Their main focus is looking at “how we standardize and drive down costs to get to a point where hydrogen, that is produced in a green way, is affordable and can replace traditional gas completely”. This highlights just one example of Worley's determination to further improve their sustainable efforts, on top of the positive impact they have already had.

Furthermore, Worley’s annual report highlights an extensive number of hydrogen projects which have further impacted sustainability in varying ways. It is extremely important to note that Worley is having a positive impact on communities locally and globally through their work. The overall impact of their innovation has led to reduced environmental footprint, energy efficiency, promotion of sustainable practices, community and stakeholder engagement, and long-term viability. Worley’s innovation demonstrates a commitment to responsibility and positions them well for future success in a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important.

Business benefit

Worley’s innovation has led to a number of benefits for the business. Digital transformation being used within Hydrogen projects is one area that has impacted the organization positively. This is because the launch of data science, robotics, and artificial intelligence have optimized project design and execution, resulting in increased operational efficiency. This enhanced level of project management can also lead to more accurate budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation, reducing the risk of delays and budget overruns. This has impacted the overall success of Green Hydrogen initiatives and will continue to do so.

The positive impact Worley has had on sustainable issues has led to improved market perception. The company is now viewed as having a high level of sustainability which is extremely attractive to potential clients who have similar values. Key stakeholders are more likely to want to work with a responsible partner and so engaging in Worley’s projects would bring huge benefits. The company is also graded by Moody’s International, which is a main lender bank within the industry, as an A triple plus in sustainability. This is because they see the amazing Hydrogen projects the company engages in around the world and that they really are making a difference. This recognition is not only beneficial within the market, it is also beneficial in terms of the image Worley has created for itself amongst societies.

A final significant benefit of the innovation on Worley is that it improves the attraction and retention of personnel. Firstly, the company’s efforts towards supporting SDG 3 have created an exceptionally positive work environment for all members. This improves employee satisfaction and ensures the workforce remains engaged to produce a high standard of work. Vice President, Daniel McAteer, set up a team of 300 people from all across the world within 3 weeks. This is because “the minute he told people it was green hydrogen, everyone wanted to be involved”, highlighting the innovations inward effect on people. With a global presence in personnel and expertise in various markets, Worley can leverage its innovation to offer clients a wide range of services.

Social and environmental benefit

The benefits of Worley’s innovation on societies and the environment are extensive. Some specific examples of their beneficial impact include community engagement and education, local economic development, and transforming waste products into clean energy that is more widely accessible. Worley has unlocked the potential for many clients and societies to access clean energy resources through their Green Hydrogen innovation. This is evident through the photovoltaic power plant project in Uzbekistan where 31 000 homes were provided with green energy. These projects consist of several sectors such as manufacturing, research and development, meaning jobs are also created in the location of each initiative. Climate Action is being continually benefitted by the organization, but the 14% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions in 2023 has made progress in this goal. Additionally, the company focuses not only on what they are doing, but how they are doing it. This means that every project looks at how they can give back to local communities who may be impacted by the innovation and work sustainably alongside them. Overall, it is evident Worley is fostering sustainability across the globe and having a major impact on the future of our environment.

Interview

Daniel McAteer, Vice President