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He is constantly thinking through the complexity of
this crucial inflection point for the planet. “Some-
times it is all too easy to develop polarized views:
‘fossil fuels are bad’, and ‘anything that’s not fossil
fuels is good’,” he says. “The reality is that for the
energy transition to be successful we need to ad-
dress the root cause and cure the effect. So, we
must simultaneously reduce the carbon footprint
associated with the production of energy from
fossil fuels, as well as lower the fossil fuels in the
energy mix.”

The reality is that for the energy
transition to be successful, we
“need to address the root cause
and cure the effect

All the same, “Fossil fuels will remain an important
part of the energy mix; they will not disappear,”
says Fiorentino. “They fuel the chemistry on which
much of the world lives, apart from energy. So, we
need to be able to decarbonize fossil fuels as well “We need a host of technical solutions, which is Baker Hughes engineer
as push for green sources of energy.” why the regulatory framework is so important, adjusts weather sensing
device as part of LUMEN
Baker Hughes engineer adjusts weather sensing which will further the development of technologies methane monitoring
device as part of LUMEN methane monitoring so- and enable economies of scale to make solutions solution
lution. such as CCUS economically viable,” he explains.
With leading-edge technologies and continuing in- Even more importantly, he adds, “We need to cre-
vestment in innovation across both the oil and gas ate the right rules that enable these technologies
and energy value chains, Baker Hughes is perfectly to work as integrated systems, as opposed to di-
positioned to help in this critical mission. “We have screte systems, and across boundaries. Energy is
a number of technologies to decarbonize fossil fuel a global business, not a local business.”
energy production and also technologies that can While realistic about the huge challenges ahead to
help us facilitate the development of green energy decarbonize the world – Baker Hughes has 2050
value chains,” he says. “It’s what really brought me as its target date to reach net-zero CO equivalent
2
here to Baker Hughes. Even a couple of years ago, emissions – he is optimistic. “In times of crisis,
some people would have said energy transition is people recognize they need help, and this creates
just a fad. Today, almost everyone acknowledges a more open communication channel as people
that it’s a necessity.” say, ‘How do we help each other?” he says.
Fiorentino joined Baker Hughes to develop the ro- Collaboration is essential for success and Fioren-
admap for how Baker Hughes will go through its tino says staying open and looking forward is key.
biggest transformation in its 100-year history. The “People run the risk of looking down at their feet
company will look to lead by decarbonizing the – they don’t raise their heads enough because
energy value chain, bringing its deep experience they’re just really dealing with the urgency of one
and technology capabilities to a new set of chal- problem after the other.”
lenges, faced not only by oil and gas but other in- He acknowledges the reality of short-term pressu-
dustries as well. res, but stresses that long-term strategic partner-
As much as he admires his company’s tech- ships are more important than ever. “It’s a matter of
nical prowess, Fiorentino cautions: “There is balance: recognizing the pressures our customers
no one technical or engineering solution here … are under and helping them address those, but at
energy transition is a systems play, not a single the same time being able to engage in strategic
technology play.” He ticks off a few of the key so- discussions.”
lutions that in combination will be critical to suc- As Fiorentino scans the future horizon, it’s also cle-
cessful decarbonization, including energy storage, ar to him that “in a period of transition, the custo-
energy efficiencies, demand-response manage- mers you have today may not be your customers
ment, and carbon capture, utilization and storage tomorrow”. To that end, he sees success ahead for
[CCUS]. those who “develop strategic platforms and closer
relationships with a range of different customers,
Energy transition is including those who are coming from left field and
a systems play, not a single will become an important part of the system in, say,
30 years’ time.”
“technology play Fiorentino urges the oil and gas industry to embrace
the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint, and

Impiantistica Italiana - Marzo-Aprile 2021 61