Andrew is the Sector Lead for energy-related research and commercial engagement at the University of Edinburgh. His primary aim is to facilitate relationships between the University and Industry to enable the successful delivery of innovative energy projects and skills training, which are needed to support the Just Transition.
He has over 15 years of experience in the Energy Sector, including the roles of Engineering Project Manager for a 400MW wind farm at EDF Renewables, Business Development Manager for a Tidal Energy Company, Technical Director for a Renewable Developer, and Head of Department for Renewable Engineering Consultant. Through these roles, he managed and delivered more than two hundred wind, solar, and tidal projects with a value of +£300million and an installed capacity of +250MW.
Andrew is skilled in facilitating relationships between people and companies, enabling the successful delivery of innovative strategies and projects. With his industry experience,e he is ideally placed to allow for co-creation between academics and industry partners, developing ideas into funded projects across the range of specialisms at the University, including Offshore Wind, Hydrogen, Wave and Tidal Energy, Energy Network System Integration, CCUS, electrical transmission, Decarbonisation, Net Zero Buildings, Sustainability, and Circular Economy.
He has become an expert in skills and training, looking at how we train the next generation of workforce required for the energy transition, focusing on upskilling and reskilling. He represents the University on the SOWIC (Scottish Offshore Wind Industry Council) Skills and Education Group and the Forth Green Freeport Skills Group and co-wrote the Forth Green Freeport Skills Plan.
In addition, he helps connect industry with University Research Facilities, including the FloWave tidal, wave, and floating wind test facility, Fastblade tidal blade testing, and Power Lab Innovation Centres.
“Through my industrial experience, I have developed the ability to identify projects that could have commercial benefits and connections that can help develop partnerships.”