What is IGEM?

The Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) is the UK’s leading professional body for the gas industry. Founded in 1863, it sets technical standards, champions engineering competence, and supports professionals across the full spectrum of the gas sector, from network operations and asset management to innovation, decarbonisation and the energy transition. With a growing international membership and a global network of sections, IGEM plays a vital role in shaping the future of energy in the UK and beyond.

A Year Like No Other

When I accepted the role of IGEM President in 2024, I made a deliberate promise to myself: enjoy every moment, be present, listen carefully, and carry the responsibility with purpose, but not without joy. Now, as the year draws to a close, I can say with confidence: it has been one of the most extraordinary professional experiences of my career.

The role involves many aspects from Chairing Executive Board and Council Meetings each quarter to attending and hosting events such as conferences, technical paper competitions, promoting IGEM abroad and even a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace with the honour of meeting IGEM’s Patron King Charles III (We had a great chat about the importance of apprenticeships for our country).

Pushing the Boundaries

Each year the IGEM President chooses a theme. My theme for the year was ‘Pushing the Boundaries’  and I meant it in every sense. Not as a dramatic statement, but as a practical mindset: challenging how IGEM do things, being present in the right rooms to inform the Future of Energy debate, and ensuring that IGEM engages where decisions are being formed rather than commenting from the sidelines. I felt that the Gas Industry in general was being way too polite about our ability to use Green Gas such as Biomethane to deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to customers. That has meant showing up with credibility, balance and influence and using the strength of this institution to shape discussion, not simply observe it.

“When we act with clarity and credibility, influence follows. There is still a long way to go but there is less bias towards full electrification to meet UK Net Zero Targets”

Championing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

This was perhaps the cause closest to my heart. I am proud to be only the second female President in IGEM’s 162-year history, but I am equally determined that there should not be such a long wait for a third, or a fourth, or many more. Women represent just 15 per cent of UK engineers. Industry still has ground to close.

This year, the EDI agenda moved from a committee priority to an institutional commitment. We have made real, visible progress in ensuring our events, speakers and volunteer leadership genuinely reflect the industry we serve. As the well-known saying goes: ‘’if you want to be it, you need to see it’’. IGEM is in a strong position to demonstrate that modern engineering leadership looks many different ways.

A Voice in the Energy Debate

One of the things I am most proud of this year is how IGEM is now perceived in the wider policy and industry space. We have been clear and confident: gas infrastructure, hydrogen, biomethane, hybrid systems and carbon capture are not obstacles to Net Zero, they are part of the foundation that will help us get there safely and affordably.

I was honoured to attend events at the Houses of Parliament on two occasions this year, both focused on Net Zero and the energy transition. Being in those rooms, representing Skewb, IGEM, the engineering profession and making the case for a balanced, pragmatic approach to decarbonisation, was a genuine privilege and a reminder of just how important it is that our industry has a credible seat at the table when policy is being shaped.

Our Annual Conference 2025 set a high bar for keynote speakers, and I was delighted that it included Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica, and our awards lunch held earlier this week Claire Coutinho, former Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, two voices who brought real weight and perspective to  the debate around the UK’s energy future.

A Truly Global Community

One of the most vivid highlights of my year was the visit to our Far East Section in China and Hong Kong. Seeing first-hand how our international community continues to grow and thrive, and being welcomed so warmly, reminded me of the reach and relevance of what IGEM stands for, far beyond the UK.

For only the second time in my 37-year career I stood inside a gas holder, first time that it was a Bio-methane holder. I visited a city of 20 million citizens where they are using Drones to undertake plant protection and visited a Padel Club which is powered y Hydrogen Gas for it’s heating requirements

The lantern festival was breath taking; as well as visiting a Panda Bear sanctuary! I will treasure those memories for a long time to come.

Gratitude to Skewb — and to Shashi and Indu

None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary support of Skewb. To our CEO Shashi and co-founder Indu, I owe you both a debt of gratitude that I struggle to put into words. From the very beginning, you did not simply support my time to undertake this presidential role; over the years you have actively encouraged me to think expansively, to occasionally tear up the rulebook, and to push for better outcomes in less conventional ways and if it wasn’t for this I am pretty sure I wouldn’t have undertaken the role.

Your belief in me and your generosity in allowing me the space to fully commit to this role made the difference between doing it adequately and doing it wholeheartedly. Skewb’s values of innovation, collaboration and purpose are deeply aligned with everything IGEM stands for, and I am proud that our company has been represented at the very heart of our industry’s professional institution this year.

Also, thanks to Bob Murray, who has been a champion and mentor to me throughout my IGEM involvement, encouraging me, opening doors and backing me at every stage. I owe him enormous thanks for believing in me long before I held this role.

And, by no means least thanks to my team and peers who have supported me whilst some of my focus has been on the Presidential role.

“You encouraged me to think expansively, to tear up the rulebook, and to push for better outcomes in less conventional ways.”

A Personal Note

On a personal level, this year has reinforced that the gas industry is full of exceptional, dedicated, genuinely good people. I have met remarkable individuals at every event, conference, lecture and dinner and I have been reminded of why I fell in love with this industry as a young apprentice in 1989.

People have kindly told me that I am inspiring which is lovely to hear. But to me, I am still the same person who joined the gas industry on 3rd September 1989. I just know a bit more these days. My values are unchanged. It has been the greatest honour to serve as the IGEM President.

Nicola Evans, IGEM President 2024–2025 | Director of Gas Transition & Futures, Skewb