Meet the Group

As a Partner with Everoze Partners Ltd., I focus on energy storage solutions. Previously, I have been the Deputy Director for the Centre for Energy Policy at the University of Strathclyde and worked with Citizens Advice Scotland in various capacities, mainly focusing on Energy Policy and Markets & Systems Strategy. Prior to these positions, I obtained my PhD in Geology/Earth Sciences from Edinburgh University.

I am passionate about using my skills and experience to help the energy sector transition to a low-carbon future. My specialist areas include energy, policy, energy networks, storage, due diligence, carbon capture and storage, and the geological storage of CO2. I am also committed to working with stakeholders to ensure that the transition is fair and equitable for all, and look forward to bringing my skills to the table for INZAC.

Being an experienced energy journalist, my role is to investigate and report on how the energy industry is changing and to highlight the implications for different stakeholder audiences. With the Net Zero transition and the move towards a digital industry, the energy sector is undergoing fundamental changes that will impact its relationship with customers, particularly in networks.

Over the past 30 years, my focus has been on drawing out the implications of change for different user groups and bringing a broad technical knowledge of the electricity system to different perspectives. I am well-versed in the utility "whole system" and keep a close eye on the latest energy news. As a member of Cadent's Customer Engagement Group during its GD2 business plan completion, I chaired a CEG working group on the future role of gas. Additionally, I serve as a Council member for the British Institute for Energy Economics and the Parliamentary Group on Energy Studies.

I am thrilled to work with SPEN, which is responding to the changing needs of different customers, through agile and innovative approaches and new types of engagement such as digital tools.

My passion for energy stems from my childhood experiences where energy was not always accessible to all. As a result, I have dedicated my career to ensuring that the energy system delivers for all customers. With a background in offshore gas storage, energy distribution, and supply, I have led commercial, policy, and operational delivery functions, advocating for and championing change that removes detriment and improves outcomes. My focus has always been on addressing flawed decisions that stem from a lack of understanding of customer impacts and behaviours.

As a founder member of SPEN's Customer Engagement Group for their ED2 business plan, I am thrilled to transition to the successor INZAC. The drive to Net Zero presents an opportunity to ensure that all customers and communities benefit from the investment needed to achieve our carbon targets. SPEN's role is crucial and unique, with networks stretching over Scotland, England, and Wales, including some of the most fuel-poor communities in Great Britain. It excites me to have the chance to shape and influence SPEN's ambition and plans, anchored on those who may not have benefitted previously, especially given SPEN's dedication to delivering a fair transition that benefits all.

I have over 25 years of commercial experience primarily in the energy and financial services sectors. During this time, I have worked as a project financier, corporate finance adviser, and board member in both the public and private sectors. For the past 20 years, I have specialized in the energy and infrastructure industry, where I have gained in-depth knowledge that I am excited to bring to the INZAC in helping to inform SPEN’s decision making going forward.

I was fortunate enough to be part of the original leadership team of the Green Investment Bank, where I served as the de facto Chief Operating Officer. I have also held positions such as a board member of an AIM Listed PLC, company secretary, and partner at KPMG.

Currently, I run Edinburgh Advisers, which offers financial advisory and training services to banks, renewable developers, export credit agencies, government bodies, and large corporates.

As a dedicated researcher in Smart Grid and Multi-Vector Energy Systems, I am committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions. I am honoured to apply my expertise to help SPEN's transition to a Net Zero future as a member of SPEN’s INZAC.

In addition to my position as a Professor and Head of the School of Engineering at Cardiff University, I serve as Co-Director of the UK Energy Research Centre, Associate-Director of EPSRC Supergen Energy Networks Hub, and a member of several expert panels and working groups. With over 300 peer-reviewed publications and several books on energy systems, my research and industry collaborations aim to promote sustainable energy and advance research in the field.

In being a leader in the Applied Energy journal and various professional organizations, I am committed to promoting collaborations in sustainable energy. I look forward to collaborating with other experts in the INZAC to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, secure, and affordable energy future.

In bring a renowned leader in Electrical Power Engineering, I am currently the Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Manchester and a Visiting Professor at the University of Novi Sad and University of Belgrade, Serbia, and Honorary Professor at the University of Queensland, Australia.

Throughout my career, I have chaired five international conferences, served on the boards of over 70 international journals and conferences, and assessed research projects for international government research funding councils. I have also led and participated in numerous research projects valued at over £80 million, published over 600 research papers, and delivered over 30 keynote speeches at international conferences.

I am a Chartered Engineer in the UK, a Fellow of the IET and IEEE, and the Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Power Systems. I have also served as a member of the IEEE PES Governing Board, as well as a member and vice-chair of IEEE PES Fellows Evaluation Committee, and as a member and past-Chair of the IEEE Herman Halperin Transmission and Distribution Award Committee.

I have over 30 years experience in labour market analysis, workforce planning and skills development across national, regional and sectoral interests. I am passionate about collaborative skills development ensuring public, private and academic investment is better aligned and more responsive to the needs of industry. As the ‘half life’ of skills continues to shorten, I am actively involved in researching occupational change and disruption arising from industry 4.0 and generative artificial intelligence. I am currently the Chief Executive of Scotland’s national skills agency, Skills Development Scotland.

With the immense challenges facing the energy industry, and in particular the growing need for increasing workforce and skills, I’m excited to work alongside my colleagues in the INZAC, bringing my skills and expertise to help shape future plans of SP Energy Networks.

Over the past 30 years, I've had the opportunity to work across a number of different industries, including the railway, semiconductor, manufacturing, and steel sectors. This has given me a broad range of experience in maintenance, project engineering and management, and asset management. For the past 12 years, I have been working with Network Rail, where I currently serve as the Route Asset Manager, Electrification and Plant in Scotland. In this role, I've provided crucial support for successful electrification projects, while also leading the management of the asset base intervention strategy.

My experience across multiple industries has given me a unique perspective on asset management, which has proved invaluable in my work on the electrification projects in Scotland. I am proud to have played a key role in ensuring that these projects are completed successfully and on time.

With my passion for asset management and my commitment to delivering results, I am excited to continue making a valuable contribution to the industry with INZAC and SPEN.

As a chartered engineer with over three decades of experience in transmission system operation, planning, and investment, I'm passionate about preparing Great Britain's electricity network for Net Zero. In my current role, I'm responsible for defining future network needs, which enables market and network owners to invest in the right technology solutions at the right time.

In addition to my work in network planning, I'm also responsible for transmission system connections, including ensuring that access, both for connection and maintenance, is safe, secure, and straightforward. I am committed to keeping consumers' costs to a minimum while ensuring that the electricity network can meet the needs of a low-carbon future.

I am proud to be a part of the INZAC team that is working to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time, and I am excited to continue making a positive impact in the industry.