Professor Robert Gross appointed to deliver clean power 2030 mission

Professor Robert Gross

Professor Robert Gross, from Imperial’s Centre for Environmental Policy (CEP), has been appointed to the Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission.

The UK government has appointed eight leading experts from industry and academia to the Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission. This mission aims to accelerate the UK's goal of decarbonising the electricity grid by 2030. Among the appointees is Robert Gross, Professor of Energy Policy and Technology at the Centre for Environmental Policy (CEP), who brings significant expertise in energy policy.

Professor Gross said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining the 2030 Clean Power Mission as a Commissioner - it’s an honour to join such a fantastic team to help forge a path toward clean power by 2030.

“The target will be very challenging, but achievable, and I welcome the focused effort that this mission-based approach is bringing. I see my role as helping ensure that we bring the best evidence and analysis available to this exciting mission.”

Advancing the UK’s clean energy goals

With nearly 200 years of combined experience in energy policy, environmental science, and industry, these commissioners will provide essential guidance in developing a clean power system. They will support Chris Stark, Head of Mission Control, in delivering the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which will be released later this year. This plan aims to transition the UK away from fossil fuels, reduce exposure to volatile gas prices, and strengthen energy security.

During the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Commission, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband underscored the importance of the group’s work in facilitating a faster transition to clean energy. He said: "The best way to take back control of our energy security and create highly skilled jobs is to speed up the rollout of renewables and transition towards clean homegrown power."

Chris Stark echoed this sentiment, saying: "The Clean Power by 2030 is a statement of our ambition. This mission will unlock good jobs and protect the consumer, and it is key to our energy security. We will work closely with our partners in industry to deliver this mission at pace – these are 8 leading figures in their field to drive that partnership."

Looking ahead

The formation of the Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission marks a significant step toward achieving the UK’s ambitious clean energy targets. With the expertise of these commissioners, the government aims to create a sustainable energy future that benefits both consumers and the environment.

Professor Robert Gross's appointment highlights the significant role of CEP in influencing energy policy and sustainable practices.

The full list of commissioners

The following experts have been appointed to the Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission:

• Nick Winser: Former CEO of National Grid and President of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, with over 30 years of experience in the energy sector.
• Tim Pick: Advocate for offshore wind and the UK's first Offshore Wind Champion, with more than 25 years in the energy sector.
• Juliet Davenport: Founder of Good Energy and President of the Energy Institute, Juliet has over 20 years of experience innovating in the energy sector to combat climate change.
• Robert Gross: Director of the UK Energy Research Centre and Professor of Energy Policy and Technology at Imperial College.
• Craig Bennett: Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trust and former CEO of Friends of the Earth, with 20 years of experience in executive education and leadership in environmental issues.
• Jo Coleman: Board member of several energy organisations with 35 years in the energy industry, focused on engineering and major project delivery in oil and gas.
• Lucy Yu: CEO and founder of the Centre for Net Zero at Octopus Energy Group, focused on tech-driven energy systems that benefit society.
• Dr Simon Harrison: A leading voice in public policy regarding engineering's role in the energy transition and decarbonisation, recently elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.