Hannah Nicholls: A Leading Expert in Energy Policy, Project Delivery, and Academic Excellence
Hannah Nicholls is a prominent figure in the energy policy and project delivery sectors. Currently, she holds a senior role at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), where she leads groundbreaking initiatives related to hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and energy security. Her extensive background in policy design and delivery, coupled with a passion for sustainable solutions, makes her an influential professional in the field of energy and environmental sustainability. This article delves into her career journey, education, and notable achievements, shedding light on how her contributions are shaping the future of the energy sector in the United Kingdom.
Hannah Nicholls’ Career in Energy Policy Design and Project Delivery
Hannah Nicholls has a diverse career spanning several key positions in both the public and private sectors, with a primary focus on energy policy, sustainability, and scientific advancements. Over the years, she has built a solid reputation for her work in designing and delivering high-impact energy policies, particularly in relation to achieving the UK’s net-zero goals.
Head of Hydrogen and CCUS Supply Chain Fund
Since January 2024, Hannah has served as the Head of the Hydrogen and CCUS Supply Chain Fund at DESNZ, a role she holds with great responsibility and dedication. This position involves overseeing the strategic direction and implementation of funding for projects aimed at decarbonizing the energy sector through the development of hydrogen and CCUS technologies. Her leadership in this area is critical for achieving the UK’s ambitious climate targets and advancing clean energy solutions.
Policy Design Lead: Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Fund
Prior to her current role, from October 2022 to January 2024, Hannah led the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Fund as the Policy Design and Delivery Lead. The scheme provided financial assistance to households without direct energy supply contracts, ensuring that individuals who otherwise wouldn’t have received automatic rebates still benefited from energy support. Her role involved overseeing the scope, eligibility, and delivery of the policy, working closely with stakeholders, and ensuring that the fund met its intended goals efficiently.
Hannah Nicholls’ Background in Education
Hannah Nicholls’ educational background is one of the cornerstones of her successful career. With a strong foundation in experimental psychology, international development, and economics, she has a diverse academic portfolio that has equipped her with the tools to approach policy and project delivery from multiple perspectives.
Master’s Degree in Experimental Psychology
In 2022, Hannah completed her Master of Science (MS) in Experimental Psychology at the University of Glasgow, graduating with distinction. This program, which focused on quantitative analysis and neuropsychology, provided her with a robust understanding of human behavior, a skill set she leverages in her professional work, especially when managing policies that affect large populations. Her dissertation, which received a remarkable 91%, focused on the quantitative analysis of multisensory integration, a field that aligns with her interest in neurodiversity and behavioral science.
Master’s Degree in International Development
Before venturing into the energy policy field, Hannah earned a Master of Arts (MA) in International Development from the University of Manchester. This program helped her develop a global outlook, particularly around social change, and provided her with the knowledge necessary for working on large-scale developmental projects. The skills gained here have influenced her work on policy design, especially in terms of understanding the broader socio-economic impacts of environmental and energy policy initiatives.
Bachelor’s Degree in Economics
Hannah’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics from the University of Nottingham. Specializing in international trade, macroeconomics, and European politics, her undergraduate studies laid the groundwork for her interest in understanding global markets and the economic drivers behind policy decisions. This foundational knowledge has been vital in her work on high-priority energy and climate projects.
Professional Development and Career Break
In a unique turn of events, Hannah took a career break from October 2021 to October 2022 to pursue her academic passion for psychology. This year-long sabbatical allowed her to focus entirely on her Master’s degree, honing analytical skills that she later applied in her professional work. Her dedication and achievement in this program demonstrate her commitment to continuous personal and professional growth. Notably, her dissertation analysis using R—a statistical programming language—highlights her ability to apply quantitative methods to solve complex policy challenges.
Key Roles in Public Policy and Strategy
Throughout her career, Hannah Nicholls has held various senior roles that involved shaping and delivering major policy initiatives across multiple sectors.
Deputy Principal Private Secretary, BEIS
From November 2019 to October 2021, Hannah worked as the Deputy Principal Private Secretary at the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). She led a team of 50 people, coordinating policy efforts and ensuring that ministers and special advisers were well-supported during times of significant political change, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit. Her leadership skills were instrumental in ensuring the department’s resilience and smooth operation during these challenging periods.
Strategic Policy Adviser at the Cabinet Office
Hannah’s role at the Cabinet Office, as a Growth and Economic Affairs Adviser, provided her with a high-level view of cross-government policymaking. She worked directly with senior government officials to solve complex issues related to the UK’s economic growth, including developing strategies for handling macroeconomic shocks due to Brexit. Her involvement in policy initiatives such as the UK’s response to the Eurozone crisis and the development of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund highlights her ability to handle high-priority projects with a broad economic impact.
Skills and Expertise
Hannah Nicholls possesses an impressive array of skills, including project management, legislative knowledge, energy policy expertise, and sustainability initiatives. Her leadership and ability to manage complex projects have been central to her success in both the public and private sectors. Her in-depth knowledge of energy systems, regulatory frameworks, and digital business development further solidify her standing as a top expert in her field.
Conclusion
Hannah Nicholls’ career trajectory exemplifies the power of combining academic excellence with practical policy design and implementation. With her deep expertise in energy policy, sustainability, and public administration, she has become a leading professional in driving the UK’s energy transition. Through her roles in various governmental departments, including her current position at DESNZ, she continues to influence the energy landscape and work towards a sustainable, net-zero future. Her academic journey, coupled with her broad policy experience, demonstrates her dedication to creating impactful change in the energy sector and beyond.
