News story

New Energy Systems Catapult: Chairman appointed

Nick Winser CBE has been appointed as Chairman of the new Catapult, set to open in April 2015.

Image of Nick Winser CBE, new Chairman of the Energy Systems Catapult

Nick Winser CBE, new Chairman of the Energy Systems Catapult

Having served 11 years on the board of National Grid, Nick Winser is currently:

  • Chair of National Grid Gas and National Grid Electricity Transmission
  • President of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity

Like the other 7 Catapults, the new Energy Systems Catapult will be a not-for-profit, independent centre that:

  • connects businesses with the UK’s research and academic communities
  • enables them to work together to bring new products and services more quickly to market
  • opens up opportunities in high-potential global markets for the UK to generate future economic growth

Its focus will be on innovative technology-based products and services to transform and improve energy networks – electricity, combustible gases and heat and address the need for sustainable and affordable energy.

It is one of 2 new Catapults set to open from April 2015, the other being Precision Medicine, bringing the total number of Catapult centres to 9.

Universities, Science and Cities Minister Greg Clark said:

Nick Winser has been a leading figure in the UK energy sector for many years now, and I’m delighted that he is taking up the post as Chairman of the new Energy Systems Catapult. The expertise that he will bring to the post will be invaluable in driving the success of this important new centre.

Welcoming the appointment, Catapult Programme Director at Innovate UK Simon Edmonds said:

Nick Winser is a first-class choice to be chairman of the new Energy Systems Catapult. His wealth of experience and expertise in the energy sector will be invaluable to the Catapult’s goal of making the UK the leading place worldwide to develop new products and services for energy systems.

Nick Winser said:

I am very excited to be joining the Catapult. Our energy systems are entering a period of huge change as we decarbonise the economy and take advantage of the new technology that is now available. The Energy Systems Catapult will enable Britain to become a world leader in this transformation.

Find out more about the Catapult network

Find out more about Innovate UK’s latest funding opportunities

Published 14 January 2015