Chris Stark is stepping down as the UK Government’s Head of Mission Control for Clean Power after just over two years in the role.
Stark, appointed by former Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, has been a key figure in Labour’s push to expand renewable energy and reform the electricity system.
Miliband moved to the Foreign Office following Andy Burnham’s appointment as Prime Minister over the summer, with Miatta Fahnbulleh taking over as Energy Secretary.
Stark said he was proud of what had been achieved “bringing together developers, government, NESO and Ofgem behind a clear goal that has put the country’s energy system back on the right path”.
He added: “We’ve secured enough new clean power to meet the needs of over 20 million homes, delivered record-breaking renewables auctions and removed barriers that have held Britain back for years, from the onshore wind ban in England to the grid connections queue.”
Fahnbulleh said Stark had been a driving force behind the government’s clean power plans.
She said: “I want to thank Chris for his dedication, expertise and public service. He leaves strong foundations as we press ahead with our drive to clean power, to make energy affordable, create good jobs and protect families from global fossil fuel price shocks.”