Former AECOM director of power and energy Mike Theobald has joined WSP to lead the firm’s energy transition team.

As WSP’s new director of energy transition, Theobald will play an important role in leading advice on WSP projects which support the UK’s transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 – and will lead an expansion of the team’s current scope to focus on hydrogen, carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) and low / zero-carbon thermal generation opportunities.

Theobald has over 30 years’ experience in the power, energy, industrial and infrastructure sectors and joins WSP from AECOM where he was director of power and energy. He was responsible for strategic planning, growth and integrated team delivery in the energy transition sector.

WSP currently supports clients leading the way in the UK’s energy transition, including 8 Rivers Capital and HyNet North-West, and provides advice to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) on progressing the development of CCUS in the UK.

Looking forward to his new role, Theobald said: “Joining WSP to lead the energy transition team in the year of COP26 is a really exciting opportunity. Fully embracing the energy transition market is a vital enabler as we globally migrate from conventional technologies to a net zero economy.

“We are already working with fantastic clients on globally significant projects in this exciting growth area, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with colleagues across WSP to drive forward activity which supports the UK’s 2050 net zero target.”

Fiachra Ó Cléirigh, head of energy at WSP, said: “I’m delighted Mike has joined WSP to lead our energy transition team. As we all move together towards the 2050 net zero target, the energy market must transition to cleaner energy sources and Mike is well-placed to lead our advice to clients on how to achieve this.

“Mike’s deep understanding of the industry and passion for decarbonising energy is a natural fit for our Future Ready model and I warmly welcome him to WSP.”