Allan Baker

Allan has worked at Société Générale for 17 years, and in the energy sector for more than 35 years, initially as an engineer and then in finance. During his career he has advised on and/or financed a broad spectrum of energy and infrastructure projects in Europe, the US and Asia including in the renewable energy sector, particularly in offshore wind. He has been a leading figure in CCUS financing for some years and most recently Allan has advised on the successful approx. £8bn of debt financing for Net Zero Teesside (CCGT with CCS) and Northern Endurance Partnership (CO₂ pipeline and offshore store infrastructure) in the UK and is currently acting as Financial Advisor for the EETH (Vertex) blue Hydrogen project, also in the UK. Allan plays a leading role in developing the banks’ global energy transition strategy and has been helping to drive innovation in other new areas of energy transition; notably advising on floating wind transactions, including currently the 1GW Cerulean Winds floating offshore wind project in the UK, interconnector projects, renewables to market projects integrating renewable capacity with long-distance cables to deliver electrons to market, and hydrogen developments, including as advisor to Hydrom for the Oman hydrogen ecosystem.

Allan is also a key contributor to clean energy policy development and is currently a member of the UK government CCUS Council and the Hydrogen Expert Group.

Allan has a BSc (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and a Chartered Engineer.

Session Overview

Wednesday, 5 November

12:45

Hydrogen Conference Room A 12:45 - 13:05

Hydrogen project financing: bridging risk, returns and market dynamics

Securing long-term financing for hydrogen projects remains one of the sector’s most pressing challenges. Innovative financial mechanisms like blended finance and green bonds are needed to help balance the associated capital and technological risks. Returns can be enhanced by securing long-term offtake agreements, leveraging government incentives and optimising project locations to reduce costs. This is especially true for high-demand sectors like refineries, where hydrogen has the potential to replace traditional feedstocks, given stable supply and competitive pricing. Market dynamics will be influenced by policy frameworks, such as those in Europe and the U.S., making projects more bankable by reducing uncertainty and increasing demand. Creative deal structures and institutional investments can further align investor expectations with hydrogen project realities, while collaboration between lenders, developers and investors to efficiently and effectively navigate challenges will help unlock market potential and accelerate progress.

Attendee insights:

Discover how real-world financing models and practical solutions can create viable pathways for the expansion of hydrogen’s investment landscape.