Spending my placement year at io consulting, an early-stage project development consultancy, gave me the opportunity to experience first-hand how the company delivers certainty in complex energy projects. From the very beginning, I was welcomed into a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment where technical excellence is matched by a clear mission: to help clients make confident, informed decisions that advance the energy transition.
Contributing to a CCUS FEL2 Study
A highlight of my year was contributing to a Concept Select & Definition (Front End Loading 2) study for a carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility at a fully integrated cement production site in Europe. The project aimed to determine the most cost-effective and technically viable solution to support the client’s net-zero ambitions while ensuring high-purity CO₂ for transport and sequestration. Over six months, I saw how process engineering expertise, commercial insight, and Decision Quality principles come together to evaluate capture technologies, assess transport and storage options, and shape a technically robust, commercially viable concept.
Being part of this project deepened my understanding of how large-scale decarbonisation infrastructure is conceived and planned. I learned that delivering a technically robust solution is only one part of the challenge; aligning sustainability objectives with cost certainty and operational readiness proved just as critical. Watching io’s multidisciplinary team navigate these complexities showed me how collaboration across engineering, commercial, and project management disciplines is essential to achieving successful outcomes.
Beyond the Project: Mentoring, Sustainability, and Growth
Beyond the CCS FEL2 study, io also encouraged me to broaden my horizons. I contributed to internal sustainability initiatives and benefited from regular mentoring sessions. The support I received created an environment where I could ask questions freely, take on new challenges, and develop the confidence to contribute meaningfully to high-value work.
“This year at io consulting has been transformational. I’ve had the chance to work on technically challenging, purpose-driven projects and see how multidisciplinary collaboration really drives progress. It’s shown me what it means to deliver real value in the energy transition—and made me more confident in the kind of engineer I want to become.”
Reflections and Next Steps
Reflecting on the year, I leave io with strengthened technical skills, a broader understanding of the energy transition, and an appreciation for the role that well-structured engineering and decision-making play in achieving net zero goals.
I would like to offer a special thanks to my line manager, Yael Muniz Calderon for her guidance and support throughout the year, as well as to the entire io team for making my placement such a rewarding and inspiring experience. This placement has been a pivotal step in my journey towards becoming an engineer committed to delivering a cleaner, more secure, and affordable energy future.
As I return to university, I look forward to applying these experiences in the classroom and continuing to explore opportunities that combine engineering excellence with real-world impact.
