DECC appoints new chief scientific advisor
Professor John Loughhead OBE has been appointed as the new Chief Scientific Advisor for the Department of Energy and Climate Change. At present he is Executive Director at UK Energy Research Centre and therefore has extensive background experience in industrial research.
Ed Davey, Energy and Climate Change Secretary said:
“We are very fortunate to have Professor Loughhead join DECC as we deliver the greatest reform of the electricity market in a generation. New technology is the driving force that is moving us to a low carbon economy, powering new jobs and green growth. With vast engineering experience across academia and the private sector, Professor Loughhead brings a depth of knowledge that will be invaluable in areas such as shale gas, as well as keeping the UK as an energy world leader and creating momentum towards a global climate change deal.”
Prior to his role at UKERC, the Professor was Corporate Vice-President of Technology and Intellectual Property at Alstom. In addition he has sat on numerous advisory boards and energy councils.
Loughhead said:
“I am both honoured and delighted to be appointed as Chief Scientific Advisor. DECC has a great reputation for accessing the best available science and engineering evidence and analysis. I look forward to helping further improve this, and supporting our Ministers and the rest of DECC in its insightful use to tackle the great challenges of energy and climate change.”