Dr Skorupska is a chemist with over 25 years in the energy industry in roles including RWE Group’s director of performance improvement and chief technology officer at Essent NV
She said: “This is a challenging and exciting time for the UK, as it strives to accelerate the transition to a lower carbon economy. Electricity generation needs to become virtually zero carbon by 2030, and renewables will have an increasing role in transport and heating. Even though the economic climate makes investors wary, the renewables sector is well-placed to bring us out of recession and create employment with a growth rate of 16% per annum to 2020.
“Renewable energy in the UK is important for many reasons, a point I’m certainly going to be stressing. Whilst carbon reduction is vitally important, it’s also about creating a secure energy future, reducing dependency on imports from geopolitically challenging regions, not creating wastes, driving innovation for a sustainable life and so much more.”
Martin Wright, chair of the board of directors, said: “We are delighted that Nina is taking up the helm. She has a an impressive background, and a great understanding of not only the complex technical issues relating to energy, and the central importance of renewable energy, but also the challenges facing the industry. I am very confident that she will be a very effective and powerful champion for the industry, bringing, as she does, the strong industry and business background to the Association.”
Gaynor Hartnell, outgoing chief executive, added: “The REA will be in excellent hands, which is very important to me considering my role in catalysing its formation. I shall be on hand to offer advice and to pursue some specific projects, but am also looking forward to widening my interests outside of the Association.”