A RENEWABLE energy expert in Wiltshire has received an OBE in the New Year Honours List.

Zoë Keeton is RWE Renewables’ UK head of regulatory affairs and has been recognised as an Officer of the British Empire for her 20 years’ of service to the nation’s renewable energy sector.

Over the last two decades, Zoë has worked with governments, industry bodies, key national stakeholders and companies to help forge the key policies responsible for shaping the country's rapidly-expanding wind industry into the world leader it is today.

She said: “I am truly humbled, thrilled and indeed surprised to have been chosen for this prestigious honour.

"The many achievements of the renewable energy industry have been a collaborative effort, and so I consider this as due recognition for the incredible work of the whole sector not just myself.

"The growth of renewable energy is one of the greatest achievements of our generation; the industry we have created is the foundation of a sustainable energy network that will last for generations to come, and which puts us firmly on the path to achieving global net zero targets.”

One of her most significant contributions was her involvement in the successful negotiation of the Offshore Wind Sector Deal, brokering a major collaboration between the UK government and offshore wind industry which is now securing billions of pounds of new investment and establishing thousands of new jobs.

In addition to her policy work, Zoë is an advocate for promoting diversity across the industry. A frequent speaker at industry conferences, she has worked closely with organisations such as RenewableUK, Energy UK and POWERful Women to encourage more women and a greater diversity of people to join the rapidly growing sector.

RWE's UK country chair Tom Glover said: “We are all incredibly proud of Zoë and her tireless work on behalf of the business and the wider industry. Her knowledge, insights and leadership have helped break down barriers and unlock new opportunities that ensure there is a clear pathway for the UK to achieve Net Zero, while delivering important economic benefits to businesses and communities alike.

"Well done Zoë - what an accolade and very well deserved.”