Prof. Dawid Hanak is Professor in Decarbonisation of Industrial Clusters at the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre, Teesside University. He leads transformational research to develop breakthrough technologies including direct air capture, carbon capture, utilisation and storage, hydrogen production, and high-value chemicals and fuels synthesis. His expertise encompasses process design and development, third-party validation, techno-economic feasibility assessment, environmental impact assessment, and business model development.

With professional qualifications as a Chartered Engineer (CEng MIMechE), Executive MBA, and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), Prof. Hanak has helped multiple organisations demonstrate the feasibility of innovative net-zero processes, develop market strategies, and quantify business emissions across all scopes. He advises the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), UK Government, on CO₂ capture, utilisation and storage, and carbon removal technologies as part of the Energy and Net Zero Professional Services Framework.

Prof. Hanak actively contributes towards developing harmonised guidelines for carbon capture, utilisation and storage assessment and holds a leadership position as UK representative member of the management committee and leader of the working group on training, dissemination and engagement for the EU COST Action on Techno-Economic Assessment of Carbon Mitigation Technologies. He has led the successful delivery of multiple projects in clean energy and industrial decarbonisation funded via EPSRC, Innovate UK, BEIS, industry, and the EU.

Prof. Hanak works with organisations across the energy and industrial sectors to address decarbonisation challenges through rigorous technical and economic analysis. His enterprise activities are organised around several complementary service areas that support decision-making from early technology development through to deployment and investment.

Technology Validation and Verification

For technology developers and start-ups, Prof. Hanak provides independent third-party validation of performance claims through first-principles mathematical modelling. This work helps strengthen investor propositions and supports funding applications by providing credible technical assessment. Recent examples include verification of  direct air capture technology integrated with sustainable fuel production, and performance assessment for various novel CO₂ capture and utilisation processes. This service is particularly valuable where emerging technologies require independent scrutiny before significant capital commitment.

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Feasibility Studies and Technology Choice Assessment

Prof. Hanak conducts comprehensive feasibility studies that combine process design, techno-economic assessment, and life-cycle analysis to evaluate decarbonisation options for industrial sites. For manufacturers such as Quorn, this involved developing detailed process models for different CO₂ capture technologies and utilisation pathways, then facilitating workshops to support decision-making. Similar work for waste-to-energy operators has compared retrofit versus new-build configurations, helping clients understand the trade-offs between technical performance, capital requirements, and operational costs.

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Market Assessment and Business Model Development

Working with energy companies exploring new business opportunities, Prof. Hanak delivers market intelligence that combines technology landscape analysis with assessment of deployment opportunities and business model design. His past commercial engagement included reviewing engineered greenhouse gas removal technologies, screening potential geographic markets against political, social, technical and economic criteria, and developing business models to support strategic entry decisions. This service helps organisations understand emerging technology markets and identify credible entry strategies.

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Strategic Decarbonisation Planning

Prof. Hanak supports industrial facilities, ports, and local authorities in developing site-wide or regional decarbonisation strategies. This includes mapping energy needs, identifying possible decarbonisation approaches (electrification, fuel switching, energy storage), conducting techno-economic and environmental analysis, and developing phased implementation roadmaps. ​

Process Design and Integration Support

For organisations implementing specific decarbonisation technologies, Prof. Hanak provides expert advice on process design, optimal operating conditions, and integration with existing facilities. This includes guidance on emerging technologies such as carbonate looping for carbon capture, particularly where biogenic carbon or challenging flue gas compositions are involved. This service helps de-risk technology deployment by ensuring design choices reflect both theoretical understanding and practical operational constraints.

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Prof. Hanak's enterprise activities are supported by his track record of securing and delivering over £5m in research and commercial funding, ensuring his analysis reflects both current academic understanding and practical implementation experience. His work consistently involves collaboration with industrial partners, translating technical analysis into insights that support board-level decision-making, investment appraisal, and regulatory engagement.

• Senior Member of the International Association for Carbon Capture, 2023
• Member of the Society of Chemical Industry, 2021
• Member of the EPSRC Full Peer-Review College, 2020
• Chartered Manager and Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (CMgr FCMI), 2020
• Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (CEng MIMechE), 2019
• Fellow of Higher Education Academy (FHEA), 2018

Prof. Hanak is currently accepting PhD applications in the field of net zero transition, with a particular focus on: 

• next-generation carbon capture and utilisation technologies 
• direct air capture and utilisation 
• low-carbon hydrogen production and utilisation 
• advanced waste-to-X technologies
• small and micro nuclear reactors
• AI and machine learning for process design and feasibility assessment

Funding options
Bursaries and Scholarships at Teesside University

PhD Funding Guide