The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has appointed Dr Kirsten Oliver, Managing Director for Energy at WSP, as chair of its newly established Energy Group, which will focus on tackling barriers to investment and accelerating infrastructure delivery across the UK’s energy sector.
The group will bring together ACE member firms to address shared industry challenges, promote collaboration and help shape policies that support the development of critical energy infrastructure.
The appointment comes as the UK’s energy sector faces growing demands for new infrastructure, alongside the need to improve energy security, support decarbonisation and deliver projects more efficiently.
Bringing industry expertise together
Oliver brings more than 25 years of experience across conventional and renewable energy, having worked on major infrastructure and energy programmes in the UK and internationally.
Her expertise includes asset integrity, infrastructure repurposing, systems integration and energy transition, alongside extensive experience in business leadership and stakeholder engagement.
As Managing Director for Energy at WSP, she works with major energy companies and government organisations to translate strategic objectives into deliverable infrastructure programmes.
She also holds a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Liverpool and has a particular interest in developing the skills and capabilities required to support the energy sector’s future workforce.
Kirsten Oliver said: “The UK energy sector faces a huge opportunity to drive investment, deliver critical infrastructure and support economic growth. ACE’s new Energy Group provides a valuable forum for industry collaboration, allowing us to share expertise, address common challenges and work constructively with policymakers to help deliver the energy systems the UK needs for the future.
“I firmly believe that great outcomes come from bringing the right people together. I’m delighted to take on the role of chair and look forward to working with colleagues across the sector.”
Addressing barriers to infrastructure investment
The new Energy Group will provide a coordinated platform for consultancy and engineering businesses to engage with policymakers and contribute to discussions about the future of UK energy infrastructure.
Its priorities will include encouraging collaboration, sharing industry best practice and identifying challenges that could delay investment or project delivery.
The initiative also reflects the growing importance of coordination between infrastructure sectors, particularly as energy networks face increasing demands from electrification, transport decarbonisation and wider economic development.
Milda Manomaityte, Chief Executive of ACE, said: “Energy is central to the UK’s growth ambitions, and our members are the people who design and deliver it. Our new Energy Group gives the sector a single, coordinated voice to help government remove the barriers holding back investment and delivery.
“Kirsten brings deep technical expertise and international experience. I’m delighted she has agreed to chair the group, and I look forward to working with her and our members to make sure the UK has the energy infrastructure it needs to power growth.”
Supporting future infrastructure delivery
For the wider infrastructure supply chain, including businesses involved in rail electrification and transport energy systems, the development of energy infrastructure is increasingly relevant to long-term investment and delivery planning.
Greater coordination between engineering disciplines could help address common challenges around infrastructure capacity, project delivery and the availability of specialist skills.
ACE’s Energy Group will now work with member organisations to develop a collective industry voice, promote practical solutions and support the delivery of energy infrastructure needed for future economic growth.
