23 June 2026
The Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC), part of the University of Strathclyde, has appointed energy innovation leader Alan Ritchie as its new Chief Technology Officer, effective from September 2026.
Alan joins PNDC from SSEN Transmission, where he is currently responsible for shaping and delivering innovation strategy across the transmission network. He will join PNDC at a pivotal stage in its growth, as the organisation expands its role in accelerating the transition to net zero energy systems through industry-led innovation, testing and deployment.
With increasing investment in energy infrastructure, electrification and system resilience required to meet net zero targets, the energy sector faces significant technical and operational challenges. PNDC is playing an increasingly important role in helping industry, technology developers and policymakers de-risk, validate and deploy innovative solutions that can support the transformation of energy systems in the UK and internationally.
Alan brings more than two decades of experience across the energy sector, including senior roles at SSEN Transmission, British Gas and Centrica. Throughout his career, he has led innovation programmes, built cross-functional teams and worked closely with industry, government and academia to accelerate the development and adoption of new technologies.
At PNDC, Alan will join the Senior Leadership Team and lead the organisation’s technical strategy, overseeing innovation programmes that support the transition to net zero across power networks, transport and whole energy systems.
Strengthening technical leadership at a pivotal moment
The appointment comes as PNDC continues to expand its capabilities following the launch of the Advanced Net Zero Innovation Centre (ANZIC), strengthening its position as a leading centre for whole-system decarbonisation, power networks innovation and energy integration.
As Chief Technology Officer, Alan will play a central role in shaping PNDC’s technology roadmap and strategic technical direction. He will help strengthen collaboration between industry, academia and policymakers, accelerate the translation of emerging technologies into real-world deployment and further enhance PNDC’s position as a globally recognised centre for innovation in energy systems.
This is a pivotal appointment for PNDC as it expands through ANZIC and strengthens the University’s role at the centre of the UK’s energy transition.
Alan’s appointment reflects our Strathclyde 2030 commitment to delivering transformative innovation and impact through collaboration with industry, government and society. His leadership will help accelerate the translation of research, technology and innovation into practical solutions that support net zero ambitions, strengthen energy resilience and deliver meaningful benefits for our partners and communities.
With a strong track record of delivering collaborative, cross-sector initiatives, Alan will play an important role in shaping technical direction, strengthening partnerships and enhancing PNDC’s contribution to the energy transition in Scotland, the UK and internationally.
Professor Stephen McArthur
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
Alan combines deep industry experience with a proven track record of delivering innovation that creates real-world impact.
As the energy sector faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities associated with electrification, network resilience and decarbonisation, his leadership will help ensure PNDC continues to translate innovation into practical solutions that can be deployed at scale.
Alan understands the importance of bringing together industry, academia and policymakers to solve complex challenges, and his experience aligns strongly with PNDC’s mission to accelerate the deployment of next-generation energy technologies.
PNDC has established itself as a globally recognised centre for innovation in power networks and energy systems. The opportunity to work at the interface of industry and academia, accelerating technologies from concept to deployment, is hugely compelling.
The pace of change required to achieve net zero presents significant challenges, but also enormous opportunities for innovation, collaboration and deployment.
I am excited to join the team at such an important phase of growth and to help turn emerging technologies into practical solutions that deliver measurable benefits for customers, networks and the wider energy system. I look forward to contributing to the delivery of the secure, resilient and net zero energy future that society needs.
About Alan Ritchie
Alan Ritchie joins PNDC from SSEN Transmission, where he has led innovation strategy across the transmission network. His career includes senior roles at British Gas and Centrica, with extensive experience in energy innovation, business transformation and cross-sector collaboration across the energy sector.
About PNDC
The Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC), one of the University of Strathclyde’s flagship industry-facing innovation centres, is a world-leading facility focused on accelerating the development and deployment of next-generation energy systems.
PNDC provides a real-world testing and validation environment that bridges the gap between concept and commercial deployment, enabling industry partners to test, validate and de-risk technologies across power networks, transport, heat and whole energy systems. Through collaboration with industry, government and academia, PNDC helps accelerate innovation and supports the transition to a sustainable net zero economy.