Kwasi Kwarteng has taken over as Secretary of State at UK Energy Department as part of a ministerial reshuffle at BEIS.
Kwarteng, who was previously Energy Minister at the department, replaces Alok Sharma, who is now full-time President of the UN COP26 climate conference, which takes place in Glasgow in November.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, an MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed, will take the climate and energy brief vacated by Kwarteng.
The renewables industry has welcomed the appointments.
“We’re absolutely delighted that such a strong and passionate advocate for renewable energy has stepped up to the very top of his department as Secretary of State,” said RenewableUK chief executive Hugh McNeal.
“Kwasi Kwarteng has championed renewable energy indefatigably in his role as Energy Minister, engaging with us constantly on how to ramp up the deployment of onshore and offshore wind and innovative technologies like floating wind, tidal stream and wave power and renewable hydrogen, so we can reach net zero emissions as fast and as cheaply as possible.
“We’re also looking forward to working closely with Anne-Marie Trevelyan in her new role as Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth.”
Solar Trade Association chief executive Chris Hewett meanwhile said the changes highlight the government’s recognition of the “major opportunity” that COP26 presents.
“We wish Alok Sharma the best of luck and offer our support in making this a success,” he said.