UK launches Chris Stark-led Mission Control to drive clean power

The UK’s new Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has appointed climate and energy expert Chris Stark to lead a new control centre initiative, called Mission Control, to “turbocharge” the country to clean power by 2030.

“This new Mission Control centre, benefitting from the expertise and experience of Chris Stark’s leadership – and bringing together the brightest and best in the national interest – will have a laser-like focus on delivering our mission of clean power by 2030,” Miliband said in a statement on Tuesday.

Making Britain a clean energy superpower will keep bills down, create jobs, strengthen national security and enable the UK to play a leading role in tackling the climate crisis, the Energy Secretary added.

Chris Stark, a former chief executive of the Climate Change Committee, will work with energy companies and organisations such as Ofgem, the National Grid and the Electricity System Operator to remove obstacles and tackle issues as they arise.

The focus of the Mission Control for Clean Power includes setting and tracking the approach to delivering 2030; monitoring UK infrastructure projects critical to 2030; encouraging innovation through expert discussions; and acting as a convener for the Mission Control approach across government and with industry.

Mission Control will work alongside the new government’s promised publicly-owned Great British Energy.

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