John Loughhead, who is currently the executive director at the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) will start in his new role on 22 October. He will continue to work part time at UKERC until the end of 2014.
Loughhead will replace David MacKay, who was appointed in October 2009 and announced he was leaving in April this year.
On being named as the new chief scientific advisor, Loughhead said: “Decc has a great reputation for accessing the best available science and engineering evidence and analysis.
“I look forward to helping further improve this, and supporting our ministers and the rest of Decc in its insightful use to tackle the great challenges of energy and climate change.”
Loughhead has been active in energy research for more than 30 years, predominantly in industrial development for the electronics and electrical power industries.
Before joining UKERC, he was corporate vice president of technology and intellectual property at Alstom’s head office in Paris, and he has been a member of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and of the European Advisory Group on Energy.
He is presently the UK-China Science Focal Point for energy and renewables, and a member of the European Energy Research Alliance Executive Committee.
Energy secretary Ed Davey said: “We are very fortunate to have Professor Loughhead join Decc as we deliver the greatest reform of the electricity market in a generation.
“New technology is the driving force that is moving us to a low carbon economy, powering new jobs and green growth.
“With vast engineering experience across academia and the private sector, Professor Loughhead brings a depth of knowledge that will be invaluable in areas such as shale gas, as well as keeping the UK as an energy world leader and creating momentum towards a global climate change deal.”