WENA X WES Panel

Join thought leaders Kruthika A. Bala (Women’s Energy Network Alliance), Kerry Anne Shanks (AFRY), Rebecca Allison (Net Zero Technology Centre), Susana Neves e Brooks (National Grid), Helen Robinson (International Geothermal Association), and Stephen Barrett (Energy & Utility Skills) for a compelling discussion on “THE FUTURE OF ENERGY IN THE UK: BUILDING A RESILIENT, INCLUSIVE, AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEM.

Chaired by: Kruthika A. Bala, Vice-Chair of the Women’s Energy Network Alliance
Kruthika brings over twenty years of experience driving growth and impact through leadership in strategy, business performance, and operational excellence across the global energy ecosystem, including industrial, energy, climate, natural resources, and mining. With deep expertise in international consulting and advisory, she has led strategic initiatives in complex organisations, addressing business challenges and building resilient partnerships. Kruthika’s strategic insight into the interconnections between energy markets, policy, technology, and sustainability empowers clients to make decisions that align with both commercial and sustainability goals, including decarbonisation. Her systems thinking approach connects energy transitions, geopolitical shifts, and resource security, helping shape long-term strategies. Through her work, Kruthika facilitates big-picture thinking on energy systems, enabling organisations to drive meaningful, deliberate change in an era of transformation. As Managing Director of Resources Now, an Energy & Natural Resources Insights & Collaboration Hub, Kruthika leads efforts to advance knowledge and collaboration in the sector. In addition to her advisory board roles, she serves as Head of Energy Transition and Critical Minerals, Lean In Equity & Sustainability

Kerry Anne Shanks, Policy Regulation and Market Design, AFRY
Kerry Anne joined AFRY Management Consulting in 2022 in its innovation team. She has over 20 years of experience in energy markets, regulation and negotiation of contracts. She has supported buyers and sellers in procurement, portfolio optimization and strategy. Previously she has worked for Shell, Wood Mackenzie and Poten and Partners. Since working at AFRY, Kerry Anne has been leading work on actions needed to support the net-zero energy transition in the UK and wider global markets. She helped the British transmission system operator NESO on two of their innovation projects, considering how to create an electricity system that can manage the challenges associated with removing fossil fuels in favour of low-carbon solutions. She has worked with clients on energy storage and flexibility, carbon capture and contracting.

Rebecca Allison, Chief Operating Officer, Net Zero Technology Centre
Rebecca Allison is an established and committed leader in the energy sector, spearheading efforts to accelerate the transition to net zero. As Chief Operations Officer at the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), she leads the delivery of critical technology programmes and services that will drive industry’s evolution towards a more sustainable future. With over two decades of experience, Rebecca has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This includes identifying and appraising existing technology readiness, and championing the latest advancements in innovations that are reducing emissions from existing facilities and unlocking the full potential of an integrated energy system.

As a highly driven and motivated leader, Rebecca is known for her strategic planning and communication skills, which she uses to manage even the most complex projects.

Susana Neves e Brooks, Head of Connections Strategy & Reform, National Grid
Susana Neves e Brooks is a Senior Leader in the Energy Industry, currently serving as Head of Connections Strategy and Reform at National Grid Electricity Distribution. With extensive experience in policy development, electricity construction, customer engagement, and strategic planning, she has driven significant reforms and initiatives across the UK’s energy sector, including Connections Reform and the 5 Point Plan. Her extensive experience of both Distribution and Transmission
networks, her leadership in roles at National Grid ESO and Scottish and Southern Networks has been instrumental in addressing industry challenges, fostering team growth, and enhancing customer service. Recognised as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering, she exemplifies excellence and innovation in her field.

Helen Robinson, Global R&D Manager, International Geothermal Association
Helen serves as the Regional Manager for Africa and the Global R&D Manager at the International Geothermal Association (IGA). With nearly 12 years of experience in the geothermal sector, she has focused extensively on geothermal projects across sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, and South Africa. A qualified Hydrogeologist, Helen also leads Aquarius Resources as its Director, where she works on geothermal initiatives alongside groundwater projects related to mining, environmental hazards, and the humanitarian water sector. Additionally, she recently joined the UNDP as a freelance consultant with the Crisis Bureau and Global Policy Network.

Stephen Barrett, Director of Membership and Strategic Engagement, Energy & Utility Skills
Stephen is accountable for the efficient delivery of strategic stakeholder engagement and membership services at Energy & Utility Skills. He leads initiatives related to standards setting, skills policy, research, and project activities, with a primary focus on ensuring the provision of a safe, skilled, and sustainable workforce across the power, gas, water, and waste and recycling sectors. Stephen oversees the work programme for the Energy & Utilities Skills Partnership, the National Skills Academy for Power, and the National Skills Academy for Gas and Water Strategy, which includes areas such as EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion), sector attraction, workforce resilience, skills, and competencies. He has successfully led organisational design, competency management, and strategic change programmes. Stephen holds an MBA and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.