Kelly works as a Technical Lead in the Regional Energy Strategic Planning team of the National Energy System Operator (NESO), responsible for energy system planning for distribution networks in a coherent and cost-effective way, with consumers, industries and local communities at the heart of the energy transition. Before that, Kelly was a Strategic Lead within NESO leading the development of Future Energy Scenarios, i.e. credible pathways to achieve UK’s goal of Net Zero Emissions by 2050.
Prior to NESO, Kelly worked as a Lead Research Engineer at the Research & Development Department of EDF Energy in the UK, where she specialised in algorithms to optimally invest in renewable and energy storage assets, vital for the transition to Net Zero. Before that, Kelly worked as a Modelling Analyst at Energy Systems Catapult, an integral member of their innovation team.
Kelly is originally a power systems engineer and holds a PhD from the Centre for Doctoral Training in Power Networks of The University of Manchester. Her PhD research was on investment of battery storage assets with wind generation. She is a Chartered Engineer with the Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET), for which she is also a Professional Registration Advisor, mentoring others to become chartered. Kelly has served as the Industry Chair of UK’s IET Energy Storage conference for three years. Kelly is currently the Events Lead within NESO Women’s Network, raising awareness about key Diversity & Inclusion matters and celebrating brilliantly the achievements of her colleagues.