The UK Energy Research Centre’s Research Director, Professor Jim Skea, has joined the board of BlackRock New Energy Investment Trust plc as a non-executive director. 

The Trust, a public quoted company traded on the London Stock Exchange, is managed by BlackRock, one of the world’s leading asset managers. 
 

The Trust aims to generate long-term capital growth by investing in companies focusing on alternative energy or energy technologies.  The Board oversees the strategic direction of the Trust, which manages assets worth £120m.

 

Commenting on the post, Professor Skea said: “I hope that I can add real value to the Company’s shareholders and at the same time take advantage of a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of what drives investment decisions.  I look forward to working with the Board as companies start to realise the huge market potential associated with reducing carbon emissions, especially in the run up to the Copenhagen conference and beyond.”

 

Jim has particular research interests in energy, climate change and technological innovation. He has been Research Director of the UK Energy Research Centre, based at Imperial College, since 2004.  He previously directed the Policy Studies Institute and the Economic and Social Research Council’s Global Environmental Change Programme.