Dieter Helm knighted

Economist Dieter Helm, author of the Cost of Energy Review, has been recognised for services to the environment, energy and utilities policy in the Queen’s New Year Honours List.

Helm was knighted for his work to transform commitments in the 25 Year Environment Plan into binding targets in the upcoming Environment Bill and for his work with the Natural Capital Committee.

Also recognised in the annual list was Thames Water’s chief health, safety and wellbeing officer, Karl Simons, for services to mental health policy. Simons was given an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his work to reform mental health policy within the company and nationally.

His efforts to destigmatise mental health in the industry ensured suppliers and contractors also followed best practice, and encouraged government to legislate on supporting workplace mental health.

Elsewhere on the list Mina Golshan, the deputy chief inspector at the office for nuclear regulation and Richard Wohanka chair and trustee of the nuclear trust each were awarded OBEs for services to nuclear.

OBEs were also awarded to:

• Kirsty Hamilton, associate fellow Chatham House for services to green energy, the finance sector and climate change.
• Anthony Charles Russell Price, of Malmesbury, chief executive of Swanbarton for services to the energy storage industry.
• Isobel Sheldon director of business development at UK Battery Industrialisation Centre for services to motor vehicle battery technology;
• Paul Van Heyningen, deputy director of net zero electricity networks at BEIS for services to energy policy.

Member of the order of the British Empire (MBEs) were awarded to:

• Alastair James Burn, principal specialist, water and pollution, for voluntary service to nature conservation;
• Sally Gallagher, technical specialist at Environment Agency for services to groundwater environment.