SPECIALIST INSIGHT
Having worked across various utilities sectors , what do you see as the biggest challenges facing the electricity and energy industry today , particularly in terms of infrastructure and customer access ?
In electricity , the biggest challenges today are managing the energy transition to help deliver net zero while preserving energy security . Far from only affecting the UK , these are global issues that demand massive investment in ‘ the grid ’. Delivering on these challenges requires courage , investment and regulatory support .
Regulatory reforms that will help – such as electricity market reforms , network price controls , energy pricing and increased competition – need accelerating . In the UK , there are hundreds of billions of pounds worth of investment available to deliver renewables and infrastructure modernisation , like new networks and smart grids , but progress is stalled . This is why Clean Power 2030 and Connections Reform will help . However , I would also say the market requires quicker signals to bolster confidence and momentum .
There are also emerging applications , such as data centres and the electrification of shipping , that are introducing new complexities that haven ’ t yet been fully appreciated . Overall , it ’ s an exciting time in the industry , but greater speed and decisiveness are needed to meet the many challenges ahead .
With your extensive background in engineering and asset management , which emerging technologies or innovations do you believe have the potential to transform the utilities industry in the next decade ?
I ’ ve been blessed to experience all aspects of the electricity industry . I ’ ve seen firsthand the importance of skills and talent , and that ultimately it is people who drive innovation .
Today , we have a hot labour market with an excess of demand and a shortage of skilled professionals . Though there are some skills programmes in place , much more is required to support grid expansion and electricity infrastructure challenges at all levels .
Spencer Thompson , CEO of Eclipse Power , shares his insights on the evolving energy landscape , discussing key challenges in infrastructure , regulatory reforms and the road to net zero . He highlights emerging technologies , workforce development , and Eclipse Power ’ s role in streamlining electricity connections while driving innovation and efficiency across the sector .
The UK ’ s wind turbine factories are a blueprint for success on this front . We should follow their footsteps and take a similar approach with grid-specific workforce training , manufacturing and construction .
Ultimately it is people who drive innovation .
The push towards a net zero future is reshaping the energy landscape . What do you see as the main hurdles in achieving this transition , and how can companies across the sector contribute to overcoming them ?
One of the biggest hurdles is the industry ’ s ability to deliver the required grid upgrades in the 10 to 15-year timeframe that ’ s necessary . We are already witnessing supply chain constraints emerge due to long lead times , European plants at capacity , and the sector ’ s construction resource shortage .
To take these hurdles in our stride , we need to expand UK manufacturing and establish accelerated training and skills centres . The recently announced 2025 skills passport initiative will play a part in helping workers gain and develop the skills and expertise required for clean power jobs in the future .
Domestic investment would attract new talent and minimise our dependence on overseas supply chains . As a consequence , we ’ d have the capacity and resilience needed to meet the demand of the net zero transition in the limited timeframe that we have .
Eclipse Power focuses on guiding customers through the electricity connection process with agility and simplicity . How do you ensure these principles are embedded across the company ’ s operations and culture ?
At Eclipse we try very hard to be agile for our customers and help them navigate the complex world of the electricity grid . Despite the sector-wide skills shortages , we have a team full of talented people dedicated to getting customers connected to the national grid – or set up with their own microgrids .
Our seasoned industry professionals come from several utilities sectors . They work tirelessly to positively influence the industry , steering it towards reform , greater competition , and accelerated grid connections .
We are also continually recruiting fresh talent , including university graduates and technicians from adjacent sectors who want to make a difference . The electricity industry has changed enormously over recent years , as too has the need for electrical engineers , which offers diverse career opportunities in areas such as financial modelling and asset management .
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