Durham Energy Institute (DEI) Advisory Board Chair and Professor in Practice Alan Lowdon has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours for services to UK and US offshore wind collaboration.
As one of the UK’s leading clean tech industry specialists, with almost two decades of expertise in the offshore renewables sector, Alan has been instrumental in establishing and developing relationships between British and American organisations for the progression of offshore wind innovation and business opportunities.
Alan Lowdon is also currently director of strategic development for the National Offshore Wind Institute in Massachusetts, USA and NOF UK board director.
Speaking of the award, Professor Alan Lowdon said:
I am absolutely delighted and humbled to have been awarded an OBE for services to U.K.-US offshore wind collaboration. It’s been a 17-year journey for me, every minute of which has been a true pleasure. Thank you to everyone who has helped me on my journey.
Professor and pioneer
Alan is a Durham University alumnus who has had a key role in the DEI, Durham hub for energy research activities, since its inception in 2009 and has been chair of the DEI Advisory Board since 2015.
In 2020 he was appointed Professor in Practice at the institute – an initiative here at Durham that recognises the expertise, experience and commitment of senior members of the practitioner community who bring public distinction and practical insight, to enhance educational opportunities for students.
Through this role Alan Lowdon has been assisting DEI to increase our networks, enhance our research and industry impact, and provide support to our students and researchers.
In addition to his roles at DEI, Alan has helped shape both the UK and US offshore wind sectors through a wide range of roles in UK regional and national organisations, and in the US.
Find out more
- For a full list of alumni and friends who are honourees in this year’s New Year’s Honours list, visit our website.
- Find out more about Alan Lowdon and Durham Energy Institute.
- If you would like to find out about opportunities for mentoring or to get in contact with Alan Lowdon or any of DEIs industry partners please email katherine.daniels@durham.ac.uk