Manchester Energy Network – Chief Operating Officer Announcement
The Association for Decentralised Energy
Manchester Energy Network is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Hunt as the inaugural Chief Operating Officer for the company.
Steve, working on behalf of Ener-Vate, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role given his extensive industry experience. As one of the founders of Ener-Vate, Steve has a complete understanding of the actions that the Network needs to take to thrive in the sector, given Steve’s contribution to the successful delivery and operation of energy companies and projects for both the public and private sector.
The Manchester Energy Network is located in the heart of Manchester, providing heat and power to some of the City's most iconic buildings. The Network comprises of a 2km district heating connection and an energy centre containing a 3.3MWe CHP engine and two 12MW boilers. The energy centre's flue, which has been named the ‘Tower of Light’, has become a sculptural landmark in the city’s skyline and has been recognised through a number of architectural awards.
The Energy Network is at a pivotal point in its growth as a commercial entity, with a business plan for 2024/25 in the process of being finalised and a number of activities progressing around the decarbonisation of the Network. Steve will oversee the delivery of the business plan, further strengthen relationships with existing Network customers, as well as developing opportunities for connections with new customers and driving forward the Network as a key player in the Government’s emerging Heat Network Zoning proposals, which are currently out to consultation.
On his appointment, Steve said:
"I am proud, honoured and excited to be able to bring my extensive commercial experience in heat network development across the UK to Manchester. Working alongside the talented team already in place we will aim to provide a valuable asset to the city of Manchester long into the future by providing competitive energy costs to connected buildings alongside increasing carbon benefits as we develop. In turn this will aid the wider Manchester ambitions to promote itself as a low carbon, low cost city for investment."
Richard Munns, Chair of Manchester Energy Network SPV Board said:
"On behalf of the Board of Directors, I'm delighted to welcome Steve as Chief Operating Officer of the Manchester Energy Network. With his wealth of commercial experience and passion for excellent customer service, Steve is the ideal person to lead our network into the future as we focus on strengthening value to our customers and further decarbonisation."