Janine Freeman joins from UK Power Reserve and previously held multiple roles at National Grid. Image: Public Power Solutions.

Public Power Solutions (PPS) has appointed two new non-executive directors to its Board as the company continues to work optimising large-scale solar projects, new energy storage and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. 

Janine Freeman joins from UK Power Reserve where she has served as business development director, having previously held a number of regulatory and corporate affairs positions at National Grid.

She was also a member of the system operator’s UK Executive Committee and has previously been recognised as British Renewable Energy Champion for her leadership in the commercial development and application of new technologies. 

Meanwhile Dr. Jeffrey Hardy is a senior research fellow and consultant for the Grantham Institute, Imperial College London, examining energy system change and business model innovation.

He is currently on secondment to the Smart Energy team at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and has previously held senior roles at Ofgem, the UK Energy Research Centre and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Dr. Jeffrey Hardy. Image: Public Power Solutions.

Bernie Brannan, managing director of PPS, said: “Janine and Jeffrey both bring with them over 20 years’ relevant experience in the power sector developing new business models. Their unique and valuable perspective on the energy industry and its importance to the wider economy will strengthen PPS’s position as we continue to lead and innovate in the public sector, putting Swindon at the forefront of the green energy revolution.”

As the wholly-owned renewable energy company of Swindon Borough Council, PPS is currently working on projects incorporating a range of different technologies.

Having developed a number of large-scale solar projects using community energy funds alongside local authority investment, the company continues to work on zero-subsidy business models for energy generation and consumption, including new community ownership structures.

It is also working to optimise local authority-owned solar assets through their asset-management service.

PPS has also committed to developing large-scale battery projects, having recently secured planning approval for a 50MW battery, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure with an upcoming pilot project to be carried out in Swindon.