Sotiris Georgiopoulos, Head of Smart Grid Development at UK Power Networks, takes on role
ENA has today announced that Sotiris Georgiopoulos, Head of Smart Grid Development at UK Power Networks, is the new Chair of the Open Networks project.
Starting his new role this week, Sotiris has more than 15 years’ experience in the energy sector, establishing the smart grid development team at UK Power Networks in 2016. In his day-to-day role he is responsible for UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operation activities.
Previously the project’s Flexibility Services Chair, Sotiris takes over from Nigel Turvey of Western Power Distribution, who recently stepped down ahead of his retirement. In his new role he will take overall responsibility of leading the project’s and workstreams world leading work.
Randolph Brazier, Director of Innovation and Electricity Systems at Energy Networks Association said:
“Sotiris has been a stalwart of the project since its inception and an excellent leader on the Flexibility Services workstream. He is a leading industry voice and I am thrilled he is taking on these additional responsibilities at such a crucial time for our industry.
“He will continue to play a key role in building on the project’s momentum and the pivotal role it plays in the energy transition as we move towards a Net Zero future for the UK and we look forward to working with him in 2021 and beyond.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Nigel Turvey for his hard work on the project over the past four years, as well as his support for ENA more generally; his role has been instrumental in the achievements we’ve made.”
Adding to this, Sotiris Georgiopoulos, Head of Smart Grid Development at UK Power Networks said:
“Having been a part of the project since the beginning, I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Chair.
“2021 will be a year of action and delivery, and I am looking forward to collaborating with the whole industry, from BEIS and Ofgem to flexibility providers and community groups all over the country, to deliver the vital changes to deliver net zero emissions.”
In additional workstream news, Ben Godfrey, DSO Manager at Western Power Distribution has taken on the newly vacant role of Flexibility Services Chair and Andy Wainwright, Business Lead – Whole Electricity Systems at National Grid ESO, as Whole Energy Systems Chair. Both have been hard-working champions of Open Networks and big contributors to the project.
About our Open Networks project
Now in its fifth year, the Open Networks project has helped Britain to become a superpower of renewable energy. By implementing and standardising processes and practices where possible, the UKs energy networks are progressing the goal of net zero carbon emissions.
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We’re Energy Networks Association, the industry body for the UK and Ireland’s energy networks. Our members own and operate the wires and pipes which carry electricity and gas into your community, supporting our economy.
The wires and pipes are the arteries of our economy, delivering energy to over 30 million homes and businesses across the UK and Ireland. To do this safely and reliably, the businesses which run the networks employ 45,000 people (36,000 in Great Britain) and have spent and invested over £60 billion in the last eight years.
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