Leadership that drives innovation

With over a decade of experience in the energy sector, Neil Brooks has spearheaded the development and delivery of more than 1GW of operational power generation and energy storage projects. His expertise spans a diverse range of power generation projects in the UK including technologies from natural gas to onshore wind to battery energy storage. Neil’s extensive experience encompasses project development, engineering design, procurement, contract negotiation, and project delivery. Before his current role at Root-Power, Neil held senior positions at YLEM Energy as Projects Director, Forsa Energy as Head of Procurement, and UK Power Reserve as Head of Projects.

Dan Moore brings over 15 years of diverse experience in the power generation industry, covering traditional generation, renewables, and energy storage. As a former Asset Manager for Gore Street Capital, the UK’s first London Stock Exchange-listed energy storage fund, Dan managed energy storage assets across five power grids, totalling over 250MW. While at Gore Street he delivered their largest UK BESS from the commissioning phase to COD. His responsibilities included optimising fleet performance to maximise revenues, fostering stakeholder relationships, and supporting the delivery of BESS safety improvements and technical initiatives. A trained engineer, Dan holds qualifications in electrical and mechanical engineering and has furthered his expertise through industry-recognized bodies such as IOSH, CITB, APM, and C&G.

Sarah Lightfoot holds a first-class master’s degree in physics from Durham University. She began her career as a Grid Connections consultant at TNEI Group, advising investors on battery storage and wind portfolio acquisitions connected to the transmission and distribution networks in the UK, conducting technical feasibility studies, and providing expert advice on the viability of energy projects. At YLEM Energy, Sarah led the Battery Storage Development team, overseeing the origination, design, and development of distribution-connected energy storage assets. Her role involved managing a team dedicated to delivering YLEM Energy’s ambitious BESS plans.

With over 10 years of experience in the energy sector, Mike Carvell is an accomplished energy procurement specialist. He has overseen the procurement and contracting for more than 650MW of flexible power generation and battery energy storage, including negotiating multiple large-scale portfolio framework agreements and industry-first turnkey contracts. Mike’s strengths in project procurement, contract negotiation, and project delivery have significantly contributed to his extensive portfolio. Before joining Root-Power, Mike held management roles at YLEM Energy as Procurement Manager, Sembcorp UK as Contracts Manager, and UK Power Reserve as Contracts Manager.

Dan Shore brings 14 years’ experience in the renewable energy sector, having delivered diverse construction projects in both onshore and offshore wind, and more recently energy storage. Dan was previously at Zenobe Energy, where he led the delivery of a 200MW energy storage site, the first to connect to the Scottish Transmission network and designed to deliver a range of grid services. He has experience leading projects both as a Client and Contractor and is adept at fostering collaborative relationships, focused on safe timely execution of projects. Since starting his career at Siemens, Dan has gone on to further his experience and expertise through industry-recognised bodies such as APM, APMG, CMI and IOSH.

As the Senior Planning Manager at Root Power, Francesca oversees the planning process for our diverse portfolio of energy projects, guiding them from origination through to ready-to-build. In her role, Francesca leads the planning team, which is focused on achieving Root Powers’ ambitious goals. With a solid foundation in Architecture and a master’s degree in International Planning and Sustainable Development, she kickstarted her career as Planning Engineer at Queequeg Renewables, working on a wide range of Battery, Solar and onshore wind projects. Francesca has developed extensive experience in the energy sector, overseeing an array of projects, including Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA), Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) and Section 36 applications.

Francesca worked as Planning Manager for YLEM Energy between July 2023 to July 2024, leading the delivery and submission of more than 30 planning applications for projects totalling more than 1GW of storage capacity: an unparalleled level of activity within our sector. Francesca brings a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in energy project development to our team at Root Power, navigating the challenges of a consistently changing sector within the UK planning system.

After attaining his master’s degree in Spatial Planning with Sustainable Urban Design from the University of Dundee, Connor McKinley began his career as a Planning Consultant at Mabbett & Associates Ltd. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, Connor undertook feasibility studies, site planning appraisals, pre-application consultations, EIA screening, and submitted both local and major planning applications across a range of sectors from residential developments to renewable energy.
Connor joined YLEM Energy and was transferred onto the Root-Power team as Planning Manager, managing the planning application process for approximately 600 MW of BESS development and leading a further 150 MW through pre-planning screening phases. Through extensive in-house collaboration with the existing YLEM Energy BESS team and effective liaising with landowners, external consultants, and statutory consultees, Connor has ensured efficient and high-quality applications are submitted to the local planning authorities. He is also working towards progressing his current memberships with the RTPI and IEMA.

Alex joined YLEM Energy Group as a project developer and has since been promoted to Development Manager at Root-Power. He has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth within the renewable energy sector. In his first year, he originated 1GW of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects across the UK, demonstrating his strategic vision and capability to deliver large-scale projects. His expertise spans identifying optimal sites, design, contract negotiations, securing vital grid connections, and navigating complex regulatory frameworks. Alex’s contributions have been key to advancing YLEM Energy’s ambitious sustainability goals. With a BEng in Renewable Energy Engineering, he is dedicated to driving innovation and championing a more sustainable future.

Kashif, who has an engineering background, has built a successful design career which started in the highway and traffic management sector between 2020-2024. In that role, he focused on implementing safe design practices for critical and urgent road and utility projects. In 2024, he began his role as a Design Technician at YLEM Energy, which marked his entry into the energy sector. Kashif leverages his expertise in CAD design and key engineering principles to support the Battery Energy Storage System team in creating and implementing ambitious energy storage plans across the UK and beyond. Kashif has since joined sister business Root-Power to increase their specialist in-house team.

Following his masters in electrical and power engineering at Northumbria University, EJ has worked in the renewable sector for over 2 years starting his journey working as a trainee engineer at ADTEK Ltd where he would later move on to a project engineer role originating and managing the development of battery energy storage projects. EJ joined the YLEM Energy Group in April 2024 as a Grid connections engineer and has since then transferred to the Root-Power team where he manages the connection process for the Battery energy storage portfolio and has fostered a good relationship with the stakeholders such as National Grid and distribution network operators.

Jack joined the YLEM Energy Group in July 2023 as a Project Developer following his graduation from the University of Bristol with a degree in Geography. Since transferring to the Root-Power team, he has been pivotal in originating new projects that contribute to YLEM Energy’s substantial 2GW+ portfolio. Jack has conducted feasibility studies and, more recently, has been responsible for producing project assessment reports to support planning consent applications and appeals. Acting as a first point of contact for landowners and land agents, Jack also assists in securing signed heads of terms and option agreements, advancing the development of new projects.

Evie holds a Master of Science with distinction in Renewable Energy and a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the University of Hull. She recently joined our team to focus on the development of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) through origination, bringing her expertise in sustainable energy solutions. With a strong commitment to advancing renewable technologies, Evie is dedicated to contributing to a greener future.