York-based renewable energy storage specialist Apatura has appointed long-time National Grid ESO senior leader David Wildash as Chief Strategy Officer.

Mr Wildash will be responsible for helping Apatura’s grid connection portfolio to grow revenue and value.

He will drive market expansion strategies, identify new opportunities and forge partnerships with key stakeholders across the renewable energy sector.

He will also work closely with the Apatura leadership team to shape Apatura’s long-term strategy to help the UK achieve net zero.

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Mr Wildash said: “The UK energy sector is at an inflection point as the country makes key decisions on how to scale up its renewable energy capabilities.

“The National Energy System Operator (NESO)’s recent Clean Power 2030 (CP30) report highlighted the considerable challenge the UK faces to meet its goal of decarbonising the country’s electricity system by 2030. This challenge is also an opportunity for companies like Apatura to take the lead.”

“By collaborating across the renewables value chain – including developers, network owners, the system operator, and industry regulator – we can transform the UK’s existing energy infrastructure and fast track progress towards cleaner energy and achieving net zero. But the clock is ticking and we must act swiftly.”

Wildash joins Apatura from NESO (formerly National Grid ESO), where he spent the last seven years in a range of roles, including most recently Head of Connections and also Head of Market Operations.

Wildash brings a total of more than two decades of energy grid-related experience across a range of issues, including operations, regulation, connections, markets and strategy.

He continued, “With its extensive planning expertise and robust asset portfolio, Apatura is at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy transition. The company has secured planning permission plus grid connectivity and near-term connection dates for a range of high-value BESS projects across Scotland that can harness and store the large amount of renewable energy to be found north of the border.

“As someone who was brought up in Scotland, I’m also passionate about the transformative potential of renewable-powered data centres because they represent a critical step toward a sustainable digital future.

"These facilities can power cutting-edge technologies like AI, quantum computing, and advanced data analytics, while also creating jobs and driving investment in Scotland. It’s a unique opportunity to merge clean energy innovation with economic growth, helping to position Scotland as a global leader in both fields.”

Apatura CEO Giles Hanglin said, “David’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Apatura and the UK energy industry. His in-depth knowledge and experience strengthens our position as a trusted partner for renewable investors and developers, as we expand our leadership in the fast-growing BESS and data centre market.

“Apatura has a pipeline of 10GW of clean energy capacity in development in the UK, including Scotland’s largest energy storage pipeline. Last month, we announced that we had received permission for a 100MW battery storage site near the city of Dundee in eastern Scotland. With five approved projects in the past year alone, including the groundbreaking 700MW Port Glasgow site, Apatura continues to set the pace for Scotland’s energy storage revolution.”