The UK government has appointed Dan McGrail, the current chief executive of RenewableUK, as the interim CEO of the newly established Great British Energy company. McGrail will begin his role in March, working at the company's Aberdeen headquarters for a six-month term to help advance the government's clean energy initiatives.
The government's “Plan for Change” aims to make the UK a clean energy superpower, and McGrail's leadership is seen as critical to scaling up the new energy company quickly. He will leverage his industry experience to support the company's rapid development and ensure it can deliver on its objectives as soon as possible.
RenewableUK's executive director of offshore wind, Jane Cooper, will take on the role of deputy CEO of RenewableUK during McGrail's temporary appointment. Cooper, who joined RenewableUK in 2022, has an extensive background in renewable energy and has worked on several key industry-government partnerships, including the Offshore Wind Sector Deal.
“I'm excited to hit the ground running to scale up the company and work with industry to unleash billions in investment in clean energy,” McGrail said. “This is an opportunity to help the Government achieve its clean power targets while creating job opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people.”
During McGrail's tenure at RenewableUK, the organization grew to over 500 member companies, and engagement levels remained high. The association's programs will continue, focusing on wind energy, supply chain development, grid infrastructure, storage, green hydrogen, and system flexibility.
Paul Cooley, Chair of RenewableUK's Board of Directors, expressed confidence in McGrail's appointment, saying, “He has the right combination of leadership skills and energy industry experience to take Great British Energy to its next stage of maturity.
Cooper, who will now lead RenewableUK during McGrail's absence, added, “I'm pleased to take over the leadership of a fantastic team at RenewableUK. We have a clear understanding of our forward work programme, both with members and with Government, so over this interim period we will be in delivery mode.
