Paddy Lowe

Founder & Director of Zero Petroleum & Sustainability Advocate

  • Led Zero Petroleum to set a Guinness World Record for first aircraft flight that is powered 100% by synthetic fuel
  • Former Executive Technical Director for Mercedes
  • Former Chief Technical Officer for Williams
  • 2x Winner of the Technical Director of the Year Award
  • Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering
  • Recipient of the Sir Jackie Stewart Award

Paddy Lowe is a renowned engineer whose transition from Formula One (F1) to sustainable energy has established him as a leader in innovation and environmental stewardship. Paddy’s engineering career took off in F1 in 1987 with Williams Racing, and he later became an influential figure at McLaren and Mercedes. His technical expertise contributed to 12 World Championships and a remarkable 2016 season with Mercedes, during which the team won 19 of 21 races. He introduced groundbreaking innovations such as active suspension systems and seamless shift gearboxes, redefining competitive engineering standards.

In 2019, Paddy shifted his focus to sustainability and co-founded Zero Petroleum in 2020. Zero Petroleum’s mission is to create carbon-neutral synthetic fuels by extracting hydrogen from water and carbon from the atmosphere, powered by renewable energy. This innovative process results in fuels with net-zero carbon emissions, offering a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Under Paddy’s leadership, Zero Petroleum made history in November 2021 with a Guinness World Record for the first aircraft flight powered entirely by synthetic fuel, in collaboration with the Royal Air Force (RAF). This accomplishment demonstrates the feasibility and potential of synthetic fuels in achieving global decarbonization.

Paddy’s dedication extends beyond product development. He actively advocates for synthetic fuels, emphasising their critical role in sectors where electrification is challenging, such as aviation and heavy machinery. Through partnerships with major organisations like Boeing and Babcock International, Zero Petroleum aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels, further advancing the global shift toward decarbonisation.

Paddy’s expertise and passion for sustainable innovation make him an inspiring sustainability keynote speaker with an official client rating of 9.2/10. His unique journey, bridging the worlds of high-performance motorsport and environmental technology, offers audiences a powerful perspective on the future of sustainability. Paddy’s insights into synthetic fuels underscore their potential as scalable, sustainable energy solutions, making him a compelling voice in the movement toward net-zero emissions. His achievements at Zero Petroleum, combined with his engineering legacy in F1, highlight his extraordinary ability to drive impactful change, positioning him as one of the foremost speakers on sustainability and innovation.

To enquire about Paddy Lowe for your event or corporate function, simply contact us via agent@sustainability-speakers.com or call a booking agent on 0207 1010 553.