Industry group RenewableUK has elected Laura Fleming as chair of its board of directors and Tristan Zipfel as vice chair, following a board meeting held on September 2.
Fleming serves as the country managing director for Hitachi Energy UK and Ireland, while Zipfel is director of strategy, markets and investments at EDF Power Solutions UK and Ireland. Both have been longstanding members of the board and now step into leadership roles at a time of strategic growth for the UK’s renewable energy sector.
Fleming succeeds Paul Cooley, who recently transitioned from SSE Renewables to become director of onshore capital delivery at SSEN Transmission. Zipfel replaces Una Brosnan, founder and director of Innovative Climate Solutions.
“I’m delighted to take up the position as chair of RenewableUK,” Fleming said in a statement. “Bringing over 25 years of industry knowledge, strategic planning and commercial delivery, I am committed to accelerating the shift towards smarter, more resilient power systems.”
Zipfel noted the importance of the timing, stating, “I’m honoured to step into the role of vice chair at RenewableUK at such a crucial time for our industry.”
RenewableUK represents more than 500 member organisations across the clean energy sector. Its board of directors plays a key role in shaping the organisation’s policy and engagement strategy across a wide range of renewable technologies.
Deputy chief executive Jane Cooper thanked the outgoing leadership and welcomed the new appointments, highlighting recent progress in the sector. “During that time, we’ve seen the onshore wind ban in England lifted and a government elected which is determined to maximise the amount of new clean energy capacity we can build as fast as possible,” she said.
Cooper added that the organisation is preparing for upcoming clean power contract auctions and a potential expansion in industrial capabilities. “They bring a wealth of professional experience which will strengthen and enhance the way we work, at a time of challenging economic conditions worldwide for our sector,” she said.
