Chris Stark appointed head of Mission Control to deliver clean power by 2030
Energy Security and Net-Zero Secretary Ed Miliband has appointed Chris Stark to head up the Government’s new ‘Mission Control’ centre tasked with leading the UK to clean power by 2030.
This new Mission Control will be the first of its kind in government, with a relentless focus on accelerating the transition away from volatile fossil fuel markets to clean, homegrown power, to boost Britain’s energy independence and cut bills for the British people.
Mission Control will be a one-stop shop, bringing together a top team of industry experts and officials to troubleshoot, negotiate and clear the way for energy projects.
It will work with key energy companies and organisations including the regulator Ofgem, the National Grid and the Electricity System Operator to remove obstacles and identify and resolve issues as they arise. This will speed up the connection of new power infrastructure to the grid, and cleaner, cheaper power to people’s homes and businesses.
As former Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee, and former Director of Energy and Climate Change in the Scottish Government, Chris Stark will bring extensive expertise working with the energy sector to remove barriers and achieve the clean power mission on the country’s path to net zero.
Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband said:
“Years of underinvestment has left our country suffering energy insecurity, with working people paying the price through their energy bills and a cost-of-living crisis.
“That cannot happen again. This new Mission Control centre, benefitting from the expertise and experience of Chris Stark’s leadership – and bringing together the brightest and best in the national interest – will have a laser-like focus on delivering our mission of clean power by 2030.
“Making Britain a clean energy superpower will not only keep bills down, it will also create hundreds of thousands of good jobs, while protecting national security by keeping dictators out of our energy markets. And, of course, it will allow us to play a leading role in tackling the climate crisis.”
Chris Stark, head of the new Mission Control for clean power 2030, said:
“Tackling the climate crisis and accelerating the transition to clean power is the country’s biggest challenge, and its greatest opportunity.
“By taking action now, we can put the UK at the forefront of the global race to net zero – driving down our carbon emissions but also cutting bills for households. It is a privilege to head up this work alongside the country’s top energy experts who will make this mission a reality.”
To achieve clean power by 2030 – and with it, boost energy independence and lower bills – the Energy Secretary has also asked the Electricity System Operator to provide advice on the pathway towards the 2030 ambition, with expert analysis of the location and type of new investment and infrastructure needed to deliver it.
Fintan Slye, CEO of the Electricity System Operator, said:
“I am excited to work with the Secretary of State on the blueprint for the future of our power system. I also look forward to working with industry and stakeholders across Great Britain as we undertake this critical analysis.”
The launch of Mission Control comes alongside the work of Great British Energy – a new company to be owned by the British people, with new infrastructure by the British people, delivering power back to the British people.
It will help the UK take back control of its energy system, in order to cut bills and protect consumers, create good jobs across the country and tackle the climate crisis.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has promised to take immediate action to fix the foundations of the UK’s economy and wants the Secretaries of State for Transport and Energy Security and Net Zero to prioritise taking decisions on critical infrastructure projects which are with them now.
Industry reaction:
Responding to the announcement, Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association (ENA) which represents the UK’s electricity network operators said:
“Delivering the clean power mission requires a staggering amount of coordination. Chris’s expertise will be invaluable in this role and we look forward to working with him and the government over the coming weeks and months.”
John Pettigrew, CEO of National Grid said:
“Accelerating the decarbonisation of the UK’s energy system is critical to bring bills down in the long term, create new jobs and unlock economic growth across the country. Innovation, collaboration and urgency are key to achieving this, and we’re looking forward to working closely with government, Ofgem and industry stakeholders as part of the government’s Mission Control.”
Image courtesy of Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
