Professor Jim Skea OBE FEI, Research Director, UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC), was presented with his award by James Smith FEI, President, Energy Institute and Chairman, Shell UK, at an evening reception in London where he addressed guests and presented his Melchett Lecture.

In the lecture he warned that UK politicians must maintain their will, gain buy-in from business and achieve social consent if the UK is to meet its ambitious energy goals.

He said significant action in these three areas is needed if the UK is to meet its target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.

Drawing on research undertaken by UKERC, he warned against slipping back into setting aspirational targets whilst also noting that energy policymakers must emphasise policies that really make a difference, spend scarce resources to their best effect, identify clear institutional responsibility for delivery and take a flexible approach with future plans.

Professor Skea said: "Reaching the UK's energy goals is a huge challenge and we need a step change in effort to achieve them. It's important that business and government continue to talk to each other as strenuous effort is needed across the energy sector to achieve necessary buy-in and consent."

Professor Jim Skea has operated at the interface between research, policy-making and business throughout his entire career, with particular research interests in energy, climate change and technological innovation. He previously directed the Policy Studies Institute, and the Economic and Social Research Council's Global Environmental Change Programme.

The EI Melchett Award is one of the most prestigious within the EI's gift and is named after one of the first EI Presidents, The Rt Hon Sir Alfred Mond, later to become Lord Melchett and Chairman of ICI. It is presented for outstanding work, whether in research, administration, construction or other professional activity, involving the scientific preparation or use of energy.

Louise Kingham FEI FRSA, Chief Executive, Energy Institute, praised Professor Skea saying, "Professor Skea's research in climate change has provided a strong, authoritative voice on the UK's performance on carbon reduction and the progress towards a low carbon economy. While his professional work provides vital independent analysis on what needs to be done, as an individual, his enthusiasm and personal commitment to the task at hand are a inspiration."