This week saw three leading industry figures, including a former National Grid chief executive, take up positions with the Energy Institute Council (EIC).
The institute is the industry’s chartered professional membership body.
Taking up the position of president is Steve Holliday, the former chief executive of National Grid. Holliday has previously served as a vice president of the EI for three years.
Speaking about his appointment, Holliday said: “I’m incredibly proud to become president of the Energy Institute and will use my tenure to focus on the two big existential challenges facing our whole sector: climate change and workforce diversity.
“We close our ears and ignore science and society at our peril. A diverse, modern energy mix requires a diverse, modern workforce and I want the Energy Institute to be at the head, not the tail, of the change that’s urgently needed.”
Also appointed to the EIC was Juliet Davenport, the chief executive of Good Energy. Davenport has been appointed as a vice president.
She said: “Revolutions require new mindsets and new voices, and the Energy Institute has recognised that that is what is needed now.
“A transition away from the old world of energy to a cleaner, greener, decentralised system will not be possible with the same old world thinking we are used to. Fresh viewpoints and diverse experience are required for the task.
“Early in my career I was often an isolated voice, both as a woman and in making the case for renewables.
“I am used to challenging accepted thinking, and that is exactly what I plan to do in this role, in order that the Institute, and in turn the country, can be a leader in innovation and in combatting the climate crisis.”
Meanwhile Aleida Rios, head of Upstream Engineering at BP, joined as the chair of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee.
Elexon
Balancing and settlement code (BSC) administrator Elexon has announced Michael Gibbons will continue to serve as BSC panel and Elexon board chairman for a further three year period when his current tenure expires at the end of September.
The reappointment has also been approved by energy regulator Ofgem.
Gibbons said: “I am very pleased and privileged to be able to continue chairing the Elexon board and the BSC panel for a further three years.
“I thank the board and the panel for their confidence in me, and their strong support for my work in both of these roles. Both Elexon and the BSC panel play an integral part in developing, shaping and leading changes that help progress towards a smarter energy system.
“Our aims are to ensure that these changes support innovation and better outcomes for the industry and consumers.”
Third Energy
Alan Linn has been appointed as chief executive of Third Energy Onshore, which operates gas exploration, appraisal, and production assets and the Knapton Generating Station in North Yorkshire.
The appointment follows the purchase of the Third Energy Onshore business by York Energy.
Linn was previously chief operating officer of Third Energy.
Linn said: “The recently published Committee on Climate Change report highlighted the important role indigenous natural gas must play in supporting delivery of the government’s 2050 net zero target for carbon emissions.
“Our focus will be on developing our onshore gas and power generation businesses.”