A FORMER National Grid technical strategist has joined an Aldermaston-based company in a top role.

Anesco, a renewable energy company, has appointed Mike Ryan as director of asset management.

The firm has an operational battery storage portfolio on track to exceed 380MW by 2020, and more than 100 solar farms under its belt.

Mr Ryan will be working closely with the senior team on an aggressive growth strategy that addresses the central role storage is set to play in energy networks of the future.

Mr Ryan was responsible for operability strategy at National Grid’s System Operator.

For the three years prior to this, he headed up National Grid’s electricity trading team, utilising corporate agreements to ensure a safe supply was delivered to end customers at the lowest possible cost.

In his new role at Anesco, Mr Ryan will be modelling future opportunities and ways to drive greater value from storage assets.

He said: “It’s clear from all the Future Energy Scenarios that there’s going to be an increase in renewable generation. To enable that to happen, there needs to be a corresponding increase in the deployment of energy storage. It’s a common element across all scenarios – the use of storage. So, the question now is how to make that happen.

“I’m delighted to join Anesco, as the company is at the forefront of the storage sector and remains a driving force in the advancement of renewables in the UK. The team has a vision to change the UK energy environment for the better, and I’m excited to be part of that.”