Thermal Energy Systems expert awarded MBE

Jenni McDonnell, who has worked at KTN for almost a decade helping thousands of businesses reduce carbon emissions through improved thermal efficiency, was put forward to receive her MBE by the UK government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Her enthusiasm and success in connecting businesses and academia to decarbonise UK manufacturing through the deployment of clean technology innovation earned her the nomination, along with her support for the development of clean, smart, local energy systems, and her extra-curricular involvement with KTN’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Networks.

“I am very grateful to be nominated for an MBE let alone to receive one. It’s an immense honour. Decarbonisation of heat will be key in our move towards a net zero carbon world, something I and KTN are passionate about.  23% of the UK’s carbon emissions come from industry, primarily from burning fossil fuels to generate heat so the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund will help us to make a real difference.” comments Jenni.

BEIS attributes the success of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund in part to Jenni’s outreach work to attract quality applicants, which allowed for the Fund to increase its total awards this year.

Catherine Barber, Head of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, says:

“We are delighted that Jenni has received this honour for her excellent work, both professionally and personally, in helping UK industry to decarbonise and assisting disabled people, women and other underrepresented groups to develop their skills and careers. She’s been a great source of support to our Fund. She has worked tirelessly to promote our energy efficiency and decarbonisation funding to manufacturing companies across the country, resulting in the fund receiving many applications and offering over £30m in awards this year.  We look forward to continuing our work, with Jenni McDonnell MBE!”

Dr Alicia Greated, CEO of KTN, says:

“We’re thrilled that Jenni has been awarded an MBE.  It couldn’t happen to a more deserving person – Jenni perfectly encapsulates everything KTN stands for with her enormous depth of knowledge, unbridled enthusiasm in connecting people to drive innovation, and her passion for social and environmental issues.  As a woman in STEM, she is a true role model, and it’s great to see thermal energy innovation for decarbonisation recognised at such a high level too.”

To find out more about Jenni’s work, click here.