Meet our members

My inspiration for working in energy

I grew up on a housing estate East of Kingston upon Hull called Bransholme. I had a passion for electrical energy following an electronics kit bought as a Christmas present by my parents.

How I'm influencing the sector

In my current role, I ensure the safe design, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of all HV and LV electrical systems both on and offshore. I have a team of three Electrical Engineers who support all areas of the business and regularly carry out audits to ensure compliance with company practices and standards.

The value of being an EI Member

I have been with the EI for 13 years and sit on the committee of the Humber branch. Being part of this ‘club’ has enabled me to network with like-minded professionals and share knowledge and experience.

How I'm influencing net zero

I am the Technical Authority for our electrical safety and environmental critical elements (SECE’s). My role is contributing towards transitioning to net zero by making sure we use energy efficiently and not unnecessarily.

Read Paul's full article

My inspiration for working in energy

I did various work experience and summer placements with quantity surveyors, pharmaceuticals, railways and oil and gas operators. These absolutely piqued my interest in the transport and energy sectors, when I was about 16/17 years old. In fact, when I left university, with my engineering degree, I had an offer from Ford Motor Company and Schlumberger. I went with Schlumberger as they told me I could live and work all over the world. Needless to say, I was then promptly sent to the exotic shores of Aberdeen.

How I'm influencing the sector

In my role, I am a member of the OFW Engineering Leadership team. Right now my focus is on leading and building a team that looks after technology, innovation, R&D, engineering quality (which includes supplier, project and general quality), technical certification and safe by design.

It’s a great part of the business to be in - we are like a start-up, just in a huge organisation. Opportunities to stand up a new business like this don’t come around very often. The great thing about it is everyone in our gas & low carbon business is pulling in the same direction to transition bp from an International Oil Company to an Integrated Energy Company.

The value of being an EI Member

I’ve been with the EI for just shy of 20 years! (Eeks, that’s a long time!! And most of my working career.) It means I’ve worked my way through all the grades. In 2015 I was elected onto Council. The two key things I would say being a member of, and latterly, FEI has supported me is with i) skills; and ii) network. Highlights include how to be an inclusive and effective meeting chair and board member and and a valuable and active board member. Also mixing with the young professionals and learning from and debating with highly experienced members of the sector.

How I'm influencing net zero

I have dedicated my life to two things: One is to realise equality for women in STEM and the work environment. The other is to create a world that can be handed down for generations to come.

I am directly contributing on both fronts in my daily work, as a leader in the renewables sector, and with my involvement in the Energy Institute. I strongly believe both of the aforementioned elements are needed in order for us to ‘just transition to net zero’.

Read / Watch Emily's Story

My inspiration for working in energy

During my undergraduate studies, I found the energy industry to be a place that combined the opportunity to do just that with a dynamic and exciting career path. From there I went on to study the EI-accredited Master’s in Sustainable Energy Futures which was what truly opened the doors for me to a career in energy and climate change policy.

How I'm influencing the sector

I now produce evidence-based insights for UK policymakers. These identify growth opportunities for the UK from its transition to a net zero economy. The most enjoyable aspect of my job is talking to policymakers and contributing new evidence and analysis to policy efforts to bring innovative technologies like tidal stream energy and carbon capture and storage to reality in support of the UK’s path to net zero

The value of being an EI Member

The knowledge, experience and connections I have acquired through the EI since joining as a student member 6 years ago have equipped me with a proper understanding of the energy system that I benefit from every day as I work on the climate problem in my current role.

How I'm influencing net zero

As an AMEI, I’m connected to a worldwide network of energy professionals helping me better understand transition challenges in different parts of the world. EI resources like New Energy World are never short of new ideas that could be transferred across geographies to deliver a just transition to global net zero. That really helps me put my work in the UK in perspective.

Read Esin's full article

My inspiration for working in energy

I grew up in the eastern part of Sweden, Norrkoping. I have two important memories. When we stopped for some gas, I just loved the smell of petrol! The other memory was looking up into the sky and seeing the aeroplanes taking off, I guess I was around 10 years old then.

How I'm influencing the sector

As a Laboratory Engineer, my main responsibility is to make sure that our instruments are calibrated and up and running 24/7. It also includes buying new instruments, the start of the new instruments and writing instructions so everyone understands correctly.

The value of being an EI Member

I’ve been a member for ½ year, but I’ve had help from you for about 2 years. The most important is your role in the making of new jet fuels. The meetings you’ve had about this are amazing and give me so much valuable information.

How I'm influencing net zero

We'll soon be producing green aviation fuel from HEFA-feedstock, made from waste tallow, rapeseed oil and used cooking oil. The refinery has been producing green diesel for several years though. I'm also learning more through EI resources and the annual MoD Aviation Fuels Committee Meeting.

Read Mattias' full article

My inspiration for working in energy

My father’s background and career fuelled my interest in engineering. However, my interest in energy may have started even earlier when I visited an industrial facility with my father; the canteen was totally run on renewable energy, a mix of solar and biogas, something unheard of in India in the 80s.

How I'm influencing the sector

In my current role, I lead and advise on the management of issues and interfaces in and between the various assets and departments – technical, operational, commercial, and HSE.

The value of being an EI Member

As of now the biggest gain has been the satisfaction of being assessed by EI and elected. Having seen more lows than highs in my career in the recent past, this is a morale booster. The association also keeps me on my toes in every aspect of my job - analysis, decision-making, and competency.

How I'm influencing net zero

There are different views regarding the subject, but the oil & gas industry has a big role to play in the energy transition. While the concept of net zero is a relatively recent development, I have always endeavoured to reduce emissions in my job, currently with normal operations, upsets, and turnarounds.

Read Sudeep's full article

My inspiration for working in energy

I grew up in Nigeria where littering and waste disposal were uncontrolled. As a 14-year-old secondary school student, I took part in an essay competition titled “A school or society devoid of littering is a small heaven on earth”. This essay sparked my interest in energy and the environment.

How I'm influencing the sector

I'm now supporting the North Sea energy transition through CCUS, carbon footprinting, emissions assessments and offshore wind projects. I also volunteer with SSERC and STEM Learning as a STEM Ambassador where I inspire and communicate science to children.

The value of being an EI Member

I have been an AMEI since January 2023 after transitioning from Student Member. Prior to that, I attended EI Aberdeen Young Professionals Network events, and this gave me the opportunity to meet new people with whom I’m still in contact to date. I also like that I can access training cheaper or free as well as volunteering.

How I'm influencing net zero

In my organisation, I am actively involved in raising awareness of travel emissions and supporting the organisation’s sustainability strategy through active conversations, sensitisation activities, and learning.

Read Chinyere's full article

My inspiration for working in energy

I grew up in Seychelles, an archipelago filled with nature, and became interested in energy at the age of 15 after seeing Seychelles commission its first 6MW wind farm. Witnessing the power of renewable energy inspired me to pursue sustainable solutions.

How I'm influencing the sector

My role involves conducting inspections, performing maintenance checks, and troubleshooting technical issues. The opportunity to work directly with wind turbines and contribute to clean energy generation is the most enjoyable aspect of my job, as well as the awesome view.

The value of being an EI Member

Being an AMEI has greatly benefited my career. The skills and knowledge from their Level 1 Energy Management Training allowed me to optimise energy consumption in my role, their resources keep me updated on industry trends and their events and training facilitated networking opportunities.

How I'm influencing net zero

There are challenges and opportunities toward a just transition to net zero. Challenges include managing intermittent wind resources, optimising energy storage solutions, and integrating new wind farm projects into the existing power grid infrastructure.

Read Gino's full article

My inspiration for working in energy

My interest in energy was sparked by studying renewable energy and energy management as part of my mechanical engineering degree. It helped me to see how engineering principles could make the world a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable place.

As part of my university dissertation, I carried out an energy study in Sainsbury’s introducing a number of energy-saving projects and was subsequently offered a role in the energy team. I then went on to lead energy and sustainability programmes for Debenhams, Starbucks, WeWork and Just Eat.

How I'm influencing the sector and net zero

At Just Eat, in my global role, my projects range from reducing operational carbon emissions of our offices and courier hub locations, helping restaurant partners adopt more sustainable packaging solutions and helping consumers to reduce food waste.

Value of being an EI Member

Being a Chartered Energy Manager has given me credibility amongst my peer group and was a great piece of recognition, showing I had gained the practical and academic experience required to continue my professional development. As the energy industry is so fast-paced, this is key to making an impression on employers and staying abreast of what’s happening in the industry.

Read Jaz's full article

Inspiration to work in energy

I’m studying for an Oil and Gas MBA at Aberdeen Business School; I was inspired to take this degree for many reasons – including how my country of Mozambique is on its way to becoming a top ten liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplier.

How I'm influencing the sector

I am involved currently in the design and implementation of Local Content Technical Assistance Projects for the Oil and Gas Sector and its value chain, and these assignments require an understanding of how the sector operates, both in operations and strategy.

Value of being an EI Member

My MBA program requires further reading and a lot of data analysis, and nothing is better than to connect, learn and network directly with the industry as an EI Student Member, where the leading players are. The EI produces excellent quality information and provides training and career guidance.

How I'm influencing net zero

Seeing the trend of energy transition and its positive impact on climate change and the pressure from communities around the world for a substantial reduction of carbon emission and, by 2050, a net-zero strategic intent is also a fascinating discussion to follow up in the next couple of years.

Read Mario's full article

My inspiration for working in energy

I first became interested in energy at university when I studied MEng in Chemical and Energy Engineering. This allowed me to study the whole energy supply chain — from generation (in all its forms), to networks and consumer matters.

How I'm influencing the sector

Currently, I am an Engineering Assistant with Pivot Power, which is part of EDF Renewables. Pivot Power is developing a national network of Energy “Superhubs”, combining battery energy storage systems and high-volume power connections.

The value of being an EI Member

The plethora of learning resources made available to me as an AMEI has benefited me in my career. Whether it be New Energy World, their knowledge service or online webinars. I’ve also met so many like-minded people through the London YPN that I've connected with professionally and socially.

How I'm influencing net zero

I've always liked to solve problems, and what excites me is there is no "silver bullet" in our journey to net zero. With that in mind and the fact I have only recently graduated, I have sought broad and varied experiences in the energy sector.

Read Sandy's full article

I then support them in engaging with their stakeholders to define priority areas to target in line with the organisation’s strategic direction. I'm supporting them in driving their sustainability transformation, such as communicating their ESG strategy, achievements, decarbonisation and circular economy.

Value of being an EI Member

Read Shahda's full article

My inspiration for working in energy

The thing about energy that interests me the most is that it is relevant to every field of human endeavour. I want to develop more powerful models for understanding the behaviour and performance of geological systems and push beyond the current limits of technology.

How I'm influencing the sector and net zero

I am currently a research student of Computational Geoscience within the Earth Science and Engineering Department, and I signed up to become a Student Member of the EI because I wanted to build my network and connect with industry professionals.

I aspire to hold a position of influence where I can make contributions in my area of expertise shaping the efforts of industry and academia to deliver sustainable energy to the world.

The value of being an EI Member

I also wanted opportunities for professional development and career growth, access to resources and news on the latest industry trends. This has helped me expand my knowledge and remain updated on local and global happenings across the energy industry.

I have also had the opportunity to gain valuable experience by volunteering as a representative of the Energy Institute during a conference.

Read Zainab's full article

My inspiration for working in energy

Growing up in a rural location on the Northwest coast of Ireland and spending lots of my childhood out in nature led me to develop an interest in the Environment. I first studied Forestry Management and then completed my degree in Environmental Science. Seeing the increasing link between energy use and climate change I decided to continue my studies and completed a master's in Energy Management in my early 30s. I was 32 when I began my career in energy-related roles and have been working primarily in Property-related energy and sustainability roles for the last 10 years.

How I'm influencing the sector

As a Sustainability Manager for the UK and Ireland, my key responsibility is the development and implementation of a Net Zero strategy to reduce our Scope 1,2 and 3 emissions. I also act in an advisory and support capacity across the organisation for Environmental management issues across our operations.

The value of being an EI Member

I have been a member of the Energy Institute for about eight years, first joining in 2017 as an associate and then becoming a full member a few years later. I think becoming a full member is very much worth doing. Membership offers significant useful resources to access, and the range of training topics and modules available is very good.

How I'm influencing net zero

The work I do with the Salvation Army contributes to a just transition in a few ways. One example is the energy improvements in our large domestic estate will contribute to reducing fuel poverty. Secondly, it helps support the creation of more jobs in the developing green skills sector through our procurement of goods and services related to our net zero ambition.

Read Brian's full article

My inspiration for working in energy

I grew up in the UK, in a small village in the Midlands and had the typical early engineering experiences of the 1970s by needing to keep beaten-up cars at the end of life on the road. I became interested in energy through my PhD at Oxford, which was on the corrosion of spent AGR fuel can materials. My 1st job working for GEC Turbines in a heavy engineering and manufacturing environment reinforced my interest in the energy industry.

How I'm influencing the sector

‘Keeping the hydrocarbons inside the pipe’ has been a constant theme throughout my working life. The best part of having a global career (including positions at bp, Santos, and now my own consultancy IM3R Limited) has been getting to meet many talented people from diverse cultural backgrounds and collaborating with them on deep technical engineering challenges.

The value of being an EI Member

I have been a member of the EI for the last 3 years. I have been mentored and am mentoring through the EI Connect scheme. Access to EI resources and publications has been invaluable, a fantastic source for getting up the learning curve on all energy subjects.

How I'm influencing net zero

Historically my role has been supporting senior leaders in fossil fuel energy companies to understand integrity and process safety risks and helping facilitate good asset management decisions. These frameworks are applicable to evolving green energies but I believe the challenge is facilitating the sharing and transfer of existing knowledge and experience and customising fit-for-purpose approaches. Building bridges between industry and research establishments for collaboration and inspiring young engineers to join the transition to net zero are noble causes I am keen to support.

Read Harry's full article

My inspiration for working in energy
Growing up, during secondary school, I could no longer go to school due to a lack of finances. When I was 17, I went to a Technical College, with the intention of learning skills in electrical installation and maintenance practice, so that if I could not complete the programme, I would at least have the necessary skills to build a career.

How I'm influencing the sector
I am currently the Technical Manager of Jaza Energy Nigeria, a company that focuses on building solar hubs and employing women from the local community to light up the African continent. My role involves the establishment and design of the solar hub, as well as the the installation of equipment and commissioning.

The value of being an EI Member
I was helped to get my current role through EI membership, as I was referred by my Mentor under the EI’s mentorship program, EI Connect. I also regularly consult New Energy World and the EI site to stay updated on the latest trends in energy innovations, and training to obtain the energy management certification.

How I'm influencing net zero
By working for a renewable energy firm primarily dedicated to delivering clean power to un-electrified communities, I am making a substantial contribution to the journey towards achieving a net zero carbon footprint. Bringing green energy to these underserved areas leaves little space for high-emission energy sources.

Read Justin's full article

My inspiration for working in energy
I have always been interested in environmental sustainability and the impact of human activity. What really speaks to me is the commercialisation of carbon emissions reduction through pitching energy-saving solutions. I could combine my personal values of doing the right thing for the environment while at the same time creating a feasible business case, delivering real impact. It doesn’t get much better than that!

How I'm influencing the sector
I am the ESG Director at Viridor, one of the UK’s largest waste management companies. I am responsible for the design, implementation and delivery of the corporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy. For enthusiasts like me, Viridor is the best place to be, as the entire business strategy and focus is wrapped around building a world where nothing goes to waste.

The value of being an EI Member
The Energy Institute was the grounding body for me for years. It was the first institute I joined after moving to the UK back in 2013. A really supportive group of people that offered me opportunities to meet industry experts, study and develop my technical background and meet like-minded people, who I am now proud to call my friends. The institute provided me with the foundation I needed to grow.

How I'm influencing net zero
A big part of the Viridor’s ESG strategy, is the delivery of our decarbonisation pathway. Being the largest Energy from Waste operator in the UK with an ambitious commitment to be net zero by 2040, we have a lot of work ahead of us. Building a flagship Carbon Capture plant at our Runcorn Energy Recovery Facility and capturing c.1 million tonnes of CO2 per year, is our number one focus.

Read Edita's full article