Huge decarbonisation plans on the Humber have been flagged as key priorities for the incoming new managing director of energy giant SSE Thermal.
Catherine Raw will join the company in April, after Stephen Wheeler moved across to head up SSE Renewables last month.
Hydrogen and carbon capture proposals for power generation in Keadby have been highlighted, with further work in the region with Equinor.
Read more: Humber hydrogen storage progress as Equinor and SSE aim to fuel 'international beacon' of low carbon
She arrives from international metals and mining firm Barrick Gold, where she served as both chief operating officer for North America and chief financial officer. Prior to this, she was a managing director and fund manager at BlackRock, the world’s largest fund management company.
Catherine said: “I’m proud to be joining a business right at the heart of the net zero transition, with clear and ambitious plans to invest in the low-carbon infrastructure needed to create a sustainable energy future.
“SSE Thermal is pioneering the technologies needed to back up renewable generation and providing the flexibility required for a stable and enduring transition to our net zero goals. I’m excited to get to work on bringing these world-leading projects to life in the years ahead.”
Moving into the energy sector, she is described as bringing vast expertise in operational and financial performance, as well as specialised knowledge of natural resources, commodity markets and investment management.
She holds an MA in Natural Sciences from Downing College, University of Cambridge, an MSc in Mineral Project Appraisal from Imperial College London and is a CFA charterholder.
Under SSE’s Net Zero Acceleration Programme, £12.5 billion will be invested in low-carbon infrastructure by 2026. Plans were recently submitted into the UK Government’s cluster sequencing competition.
SSE board member and group energy and commercial director, Martin Pibworth, said: “It’s a pivotal time for SSE Thermal as we look to decarbonise our flexible generation and energy storage assets, and Catherine’s extensive commercial and operational experience make her an ideal fit to lead the business through this journey.
“I’m looking forward to working with Catherine to turn our carbon capture and hydrogen projects into a reality, driving the transition to net zero while consistently creating value for shareholders and society.”
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