Professor Nick Jenkins awarded OBE for contributions to renewable energy and Smart Grid technologies
13 January 2025
Professor Nick Jenkins, an academic from the School of Engineering at Cardiff University, has been honoured with an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2025 New Year Honours List.
The list recognises individuals across the UK who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields, with Professor Jenkins being celebrated for his groundbreaking work in energy systems.
Professor Jenkins has been a pioneer in the development and deployment of advanced renewable energy solutions and Smart Grid technologies, not only strengthening research and education in Wales but also having a profound impact on the energy landscape both nationally and globally.
Since joining Cardiff University in 2008 to establish the Centre for Integrated Renewable Energy Generation and Supply (CIREGS), Professor Jenkins has been at the forefront of renewable energy and Smart Grid research, making CIREGS one of Wales' leading energy research hubs. His contributions have contributed to the widespread adoption of Smart Grid technologies across the UK and internationally.
It is an incredible honour to be recognised in this way and is a recognition of the work of the CIREGS Research Group over many years.
Beyond research, Professor Jenkins has influenced energy policy, serving on key European and UK panels, including the BEIS Panel of Technical Experts and the OFGEM Network Innovation Panel, which advised on the £500 million Low Carbon Network Fund for Smart Grid innovation.
An advocate for education, Professor Jenkins developed undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at Cardiff University in renewable energy and Smart Grid technologies, nurturing the next generation of energy professionals. His publications, including more than 10 books, are widely regarded as essential texts in the field.
Professor Jenkins' work has earned him numerous prestigious fellowships, including the Shimizu Visiting Professorship at Stanford University (2009-11), and Fellowships of the Royal Academy of Engineering, IEEE, IET, and the Learned Society of Wales, as well as being named a Distinguished Member of CIGRE in 2010.
Congratulations to Professor Nick Jenkins on this well-deserved honour. His leadership and dedication has been instrumental in advancing sustainable energy solutions and driving innovation that benefits communities worldwide.