People and skills

Weekend press round-up: Renewables prove a shining success during pandemic

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, Ed Miliband sets out Labour’s vision for a green recovery from coronavirus; the success of UK renewables during lockdown is celebrated; BP boss Bernard Looney explains why the pandemic has strengthened his net-zero ambitions and James Dyson reveals his “huge sadness and disappointment” at abandoning his electric vehicle plan - after spending £500 million.

On the Move: Steve Edwards leaves Wales & West; Portsmouth appoints new chair

Portsmouth Water and Sembcorp Energy UK have both welcomed new blood to the boardroom, while Wales & West bids farewell to one of its founding directors and electric vehicle charging network Engenie unviels the former global product director at McDonald’s as its new chief technology officer.

SSE’s James Williamson: Keeping Us Connected

As part of our Keeping Us Connected series we profile an SSE Renewables engineer who is giving up his free time to 3D print face shields for frontline workers across the country.

Scheme to match furloughed energy workers with low-carbon start-ups

A start-up incubator has been launched to harness the skills of furloughed workers in the energy sector for low-carbon projects. Spinning Reserve, which has been created by Rosa Stewart, the head of external affairs for SSE Energy – now part of Ovo Group, aims to tackle negative issues of unemployment and seize an opportunity to upskill fledgling net zero projects.

BEIS committee announces new chair

Labour MP Darren Jones has been elected as the new chair of the business, energy and industrial strategy committee. The Bristol North West MP takes over from Rachel Reeves, who stepped down from the post to rejoin Labour’s front bench as shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

On the Move: Kaluza reshapes top team

Kaluza, Ovo Group's technology platform, has announced three new senior team members with decades of experience between them. Challenger brand Together Energy has also announced a new board member, as has Co-op Midcounties. Utility Week takes a look at some of the industry's key appointments.

Wales & West’s Dan Brooks: Keeping Us Connected

As part of our Keeping Us Connected series, we profile Wales & West Utilities gas engineer, Dan Brooks. He describes how interaction with the public – a core element of his role – has drastically changed as a result of coronavirus.

Keeping us Connected: SVT trains a reserve army

Ellins to step down as EUS chief executive

Energy & Utility Skills (EUS) has announced that Nick Ellins will be leaving his role as chief executive in July, after five years with the organisation.

Eon boss becomes chair of skills partnership

EDF Energy to furlough around 400 field workers

This test of network resilience is far from over

Energy networks have risen to the incredible challenges resulting from coronavirus with aplomb. However, senior industry figures have raised concerns with Utility Week over how they will cope with a prolonged lockdown and the long-term implications of the pandemic. Jane Gray looks at the key issues.

Keeping Us Connected: SSE uses windfarm fund to support food delivery service

On the Move: New CFO for Yorkshire and CEO for RWE

Chris Johns is to join Yorkshire Water from Northumbrian, while RWE has announced that its chief financial officer will be promoted to chief executive.

BEIS urges public to allow workers access for urgent jobs