Invited Lecture: Beyond the Prototype - Engineering the Future of Energy
Beyond the Prototype: Engineering the Future of Energy
Leadership, innovation and turning ambition into reality
Speaker:
Dr David Wright FREng FIET MIGEM
Non-Executive Director | Strategic Advisor | Engineering & Risk Leader
Time/Date: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm (UK time), Wed 21st Oct 2026Venue: Winifred Hackett Building (formerly Y3) - WHB-G29
Organiser:
IEEE UoB Student Branch & PES Student Branch Chapter
Birmingham Energy Institute
Abstract:
What does it take to turn brilliant engineering into solutions that change the world? Drawing on more than three decades in the energy sector, Dr David Wright FREng shares four practical lessons in leadership, innovation and delivering change at scale.
From challenging established approaches to grid innovation to the national ambition for clean power by 2030, the lecture explores how engineering, digitalisation, consumer flexibility and long-duration energy storage can help transform Britain's electricity system. Drawing on his current work with UKRI, David will explain why successful innovation must go beyond the prototype to deliver solutions that are economically viable, commercially credible and scalable.
The lecture will also consider how AI is changing engineering—and why human judgement, accountability and system leadership remain essential. It invites students to look beyond the technology itself and consider how they can help turn ambitious ideas into real-world impact.
Bios:
David Wright FREng FIET MIGEM
Non-Executive Director | Strategic Advisor | Engineering & Risk Leader
David Wright is an experienced non-executive director and Chartered Engineer with more than 30 years’ leadership across energy and infrastructure in the UK and US. Formerly Chief Engineer and Chief Risk Officer at National Grid plc, he led the UK electricity transmission business for eight years and helped shape National Grid’s energy transition strategy.
He now holds a plural non-executive portfolio spanning regulated infrastructure, professional skills, and innovation, including roles with Energy & Utility Skills, Rhizome, and as Chair of the Energy Research Partnership. David also serves on DESNZ’s Science and Technology Advisory Council and is Challenge Advisor to UKRI’s Clean Energy Superpower Mission.
A Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and dual Chartered Engineer (IET, IGEM), he brings deep expertise in governance, engineering risk, and system transformation, with direct FTSE100 board exposure. David received his Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the University of Birmingham in 2022.
David offers boards a blend of systems thinking, integrity-led leadership, and cross-sector experience spanning energy, infrastructure, skills, and national resilience. Outside work he enjoys rugby, cricket and golf, and splits his time between two national parks with his wife and two daughters.
Date and Time
Location
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- WHB-G29
- Birmingham, England
- United Kingdom
- Building: Winifred Hackett Building (formerly Y3, old school of engineering)
- Room Number: G29