Jenni McDonnell

I am responsible for facilitating introductions between industry and academia in the field of thermal energy. I support innovators working on thermal technologies such as heat networks, electrification of heat (heat pumps and solar PV), low-carbon fuels for heat (biogas, hydrogen and biomass CHP) and enabling technologies such as thermal storage, heat exchangers and thermal efficiency. I am responsible for domestic, commercial and industrial-scale heating innovation across the energy sector.

Prior to joining Innovate UK Business Connect in 2010, I was part of the Technology team at BG Group, an oil and gas exploration company with headquarters in the UK. My background as a geologist led to my natural progression into thermal energy systems.

Over the last few years I have supported Innovate UK’s Prospering from the energy revolution programme, designing and demonstrating integrated, smart energy systems which optimise energy demand for heat, power and transport. I have also supported the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy with their industrial decarbonisation programmes, helping the manufacturing sectors to reduce their energy demand and carbon emissions. This includes industrial energy efficiency, fuel switching, energy management and carbon capture and utilisation.

I was awarded an MBE for services to the green economy in June 2021.