The REA has appointed Trevor Hutchings as its new chief executive, to succeed Nina Skorupska after more than ten years in the post. Hutchings will join on 1 July.
The new CEO’s immediate priority will be to press the incoming government to put the energy transition and net zero front and centre of its legislative programme, said the group.
The REA has urged all UK political parties to promote and commit to policies that support sustainable energy growth, low carbon innovation, and the country’s legally binding net zero carbon emissions targets.
Hutchings was partner for sustainability at the international consulting firm BIP and is also chair of the Green Purposes Company set up by the UK Government to safeguard the green mission of the Green Investment Bank, following its 2017 sale to Macquarie, the global infrastructure investor.
He said: “I take up my role at the REA as the country goes to the polls, and we reach an inflexion point in the journey to a sustainable, low carbon future.
“Net zero is within our grasp and the actions taken by the next administration will determine whether we get the job done. The businesses that make up the UK clean energy and technology industries – many of whom are our members – have the innovation, skills and expertise to cement the UK’s position as climate leader.
“But the next Government must take vital steps in providing the policy and fiscal regimes that encourage, rather than deter, investment. This is crucial in not only addressing the pernicious effects of carbon emissions but also reducing energy bills and providing domestic energy security.”
Martin Wright, chair of the REA, said: “Trevor’s deep-rooted commitment to the environment and sustainability, combined with his career experience, will be invaluable to the REA.
The UK’s pathway towards net zero has reached yet another critical moment with a new Government soon to be elected. The REA, under Trevor’s leadership, will do everything to ensure that Government, across every department, delivers on its net zero commitments and that it fosters a business environment that can accelerate the growth of the UK renewable and clean tech sectors.”