- Leading energy figure joins CBI West Midlands Regional Council
- Dr Kate Jones, Director of gas distributor Cadent’s West Midlands Network, to champion West Midlands business
- Dr Jones brings energy expertise as Cadent leads UK hydrogen pilot
A leading figure in the West Midlands energy sector has been elected to the regional council of business organisation, the CBI.
Dr Kate Jones is director of gas distributor Cadent’s West Midlands network and has begun a three-year term as a member of the CBI West Midlands Regional Council.
The council, of around 50 top businessmen and women, is elected by peers to champion West Midlands business, and inform CBI policy and direction.
Holding an MBA from the Open University and a Doctorate from Coventry University, Dr Jones heads up some 1100 staff and contractors, delivering gas safely to two million homes across the region.
She is passionate about tackling climate change, addressing the environmental challenges facing the West Midlands, and in regenerating areas experiencing economic deprivation.
The region is at the cutting edge of decarbonisation, being home to the UK’s first project to inject zero-carbon hydrogen into a gas network. Led by Cadent, in partnership with Northern Gas Networks and Keele University, HyDeploy is blending up to 20% hydrogen into the Staffordshire university’s gas network, serving 100 homes and 30 faculty buildings.
“Tackling climate change, while at the same time growing our economy, is a major challenge for the West Midlands but one that we are more than qualified to meet,” said Dr Jones.
“As a region we have an unparalleled track record in industry and innovation, as the HyDeploy project demonstrates. We are leading the way in decarbonisation, piloting hydrogen technology to cut carbon emissions from domestic heat.
“The energy industry is helping to inform big decisions being taken now at local level. I look forward to sharing Cadent’s expertise in this sector and working with the CBI and my fellow councillors to help this region thrive.”
Coming from a background of delivering multi-million pound IT projects for numerous FTSE 100 companies, Dr Jones joined the gas distribution arm of Warwick-based National Grid in 2014. Initially looking after the IT needs for 6,000 employees, she led the technology separation for the sale of National Grid Gas Distribution – now Cadent.
As Director of the West Midlands Network, Dr Jones is responsible for the safe distribution of gas, via a 15,000-mile network of gas pipes, to homes and businesses in Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire.
In her spare time Kate has fun with her two children and enjoys running.