Queen awards utility sector workers in Birthday Honours

A number of people from across the energy and utilities sector have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list this month.

Released on Saturday (8 June) the list includes Stuart Crooks, managing director of EDF’s Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant, who was awarded a CBE for his services to nuclear energy.

In response, Simone Rossi, chief executive of EDF Energy, said: “In a career spanning 33 years, Stuart has made a vital contribution to the UK’s nuclear energy industry.

“I know that he will say the honour reflects the achievements of teams past and present that have contributed over many years, and that the whole company should feel pride in this announcement.

“This is true. Nonetheless, I want to congratulate Stuart personally and thank him for his huge contribution.”

Mark (David) Pickles, director of EU regulatory affairs at National Grid, received an MBE for his services to the electricity market.

Also recognised for his work was Ian Boyd, Defra’s chief scientific adviser, who received a knighthood recognising his role in ensuring science and evidence are at the heart of the government’s work to protect the natural environment, as well as his extensive work in marine and polar science and the management of the ocean.

Boyd, who joined Defra in 2012, has advised ministers and the department on important issues ranging from air quality, bio-security, and disease and water quality

Boyd said: “I am delighted to have been honoured in this way and would like to extend my gratitude to the Queen for this recognition, as well as my teams at Defra and St Andrews who both do such important work.

“Throughout my life I have always tried to do those things I found interesting and that might make a difference and I am very proud of what we have been able to achieve.”

Others who were awarded included:

Officer of the Order of the British Empire

• Merlin Michael Hyman, chief executive of market insight specialist Regen and non-executive director of Bristol Energy. For services to the sustainable energy sector.

This award was given in particular for Hyman’s work supporting the growth and development of renewable and decentralised energy since 2009, when he took over the helm at Regen.

• David Paul Wagstaff, deputy director, Euratom international negotiations, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). For services to energy and climate change policy.

In response to Wagstaff’s award, a BEIS spokesperson said:“I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to David Wagstaff and everyone in the energy sector who has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

“The work that the Birthday Honours recognises is particularly important in a year that has seen the government commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, a record amount of time without using coal for power, and high levels of renewable energy.

“These awards are well deserved and a great testament to the work of everyone in this crucial sector.”