16 Dec 10 Quickfire Questions for 10 Leading Women in Energy – Dr Nina M Skorupska
To mark our 10th anniversary, we are asking 10 leading women in the UK energy sector 10 quickfire questions about their lives, their likes and what advice they would give to their 10-year-old self.
We’ve enjoyed the answers from these inspiring female role models. Read on!
Dr Nina M Skorupska CBE FEI
Nina has lived the energy transition through her career. From research into coal combustion in the ‘80s, she led power stations, trading teams and engineering divisions in the UK and a whole generation division in the Netherlands. From 2013 to 2024, she was CEO of the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Energy (REA). Nina is now an energy and infrastructure advisor and NED for dynamic organisations working towards a Net Zero future, a mentor and longstanding POWERful Women Ambassador.
“My immigrant parents worked in factories so that my sisters and I could take advantage of Britain’s educational opportunities. They are my inspiration. The Star Trek motto ‘to boldly go where no (wo)man has gone before’ has also served me well!”
1. Describe yourself in three words
Optimistic-realist. Brave (but not reckless). Curious..
2. What gets you up and into work in the morning?
My cat, Erik Lucifer, sitting on my chest! More seriously, work is many things now since stepping down as CEO of the REA. The board and advisor roles I am engaged with call on me for different things – advising, encouraging or supporting others to succeed in their endeavours or decision making, while always learning new things myself. Ultimately what gets me up is working with people on topics that I am passionate about.
3. What was your first job?
I was a silver service waitress at a Banqueting Hall under the watchful eyes of my older sisters, Lidia and Helena. I was 13 and my mamusha* drove me to their homes at the weekends so I could go with them whilst she babysat their children. I actually worked in hospitality from then until I was 26: in hotels and bars in Newcastle upon Tyne all through school and university, and whilst working on my PhD and post doc research.
4. What has been your greatest challenge so far?
At 63 I have faced a number of challenges (!!) but the one I would share here was keeping the REA staff safe and employed during COVID, and ensuring the voices of our member organisations and their people were heard. I have felt the weight of responsibility for people’s safety and wellbeing in many of my leadership roles (for example, as Power Station Manager at Didcot B CCGT, RWE Generation) but this was an extraordinary time. I am fortunate that my family remained well and very grateful to my team and members for trusting me as we worked with the UK Government through those tragic and difficult times. Looking back, the decision-making and speed of adaptation were remarkable.
5. How do you relax and unwind after a long day?
Talking with my husband Martin whilst he cooks and we share our thoughts of the day – sometimes with a little glass of wine or Belgian beer. Ten years ago, we renovated our beautiful home in Devon, and the chance to look out at the sea when I am there is truly calming. When in London I love walking through the streets and pick up on the energy pulsing through this fantastic city – and pinch myself that I get the chance to work with remarkable people there.
6. What advice would you give now to your 10-year-old self?
That both my mamusha* and Star Trek were right! An oft repeated “kitchen sink” moment of wisdom from my mum was “Don’t expect anyone to give you anything – if you want something, you have to work hard to achieve it for yourself”. And then there is the Star Trek mission motto: “to boldly go where no (wo)man has gone before”. Both have served me well!
7. How do you support and promote sustainability in your daily life or at work?
What a privilege to be the CEO of the REA for over 11 years, championing the renewable energy and clean technology sectors in the UK and internationally. Since stepping down, I give my energy to supporting companies and sectors that are serious in their endeavours to deliver Net Zero. It is so important to both me and my husband. More personally, our home and lives are marching to that beat too. We are certainly far from perfect but are making sure we make changes as things need doing. I think my friends and family are grateful that I am not a preacher on this topic but encourage and support them to do the best that they can.
8. What’s your best way to find inspiration when you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated?
First, I make sure I have not missed wearing any of my HRT patches and not suffering from brain fog. (Crazy but true.) Second, I talk things out with the people that I trust and who are smarter than me. And finally, I sleep on it! It is way more than a coincidence that I wake up with a strategy for a way forward when I had no clue before I went to sleep. I do keep a pad and pen by my bed to capture these ideas.
9. Who has supported or inspired you along your career journey?
There are so many good friends and colleagues (mainly male) that have supported me along the way. My husband Martin Tedd, though, is at the top of that list. And inspiration was also closer to home – my mother and father as immigrants worked in factories to ensure my sisters and I took advantage of the educational opportunities that Great Britain had to offer after leaving their native Poland. My sister Helena studied Chemistry and Maths at Salford University 14 years before I did. No surprise I am a Chemist/Chemical Engineer!
10. What change would you like to see happen within the next 10 years?
Is it too much to ask for world peace? Slightly more possible is for all homes (not just future homes) to be affordable to live in, not just rent or buy, as we insulate and use renewable, innovative technology to democratise our energy needs and tackle clean energy poverty at pace. And we need more talented women to work in this awesome sector that touches so many people’s lives. The mission to deliver clean power, heat and transport and ensure a habitable planet is here and now, not some time in the future.
Nina’s book and podcast recommendations:
Twelve years ago Dr Michael Mosely changed both my husband’s and my lives with the 5:2 diet which we follow to this day, more or less. Listening to his podcast ’Just one thing’ was so uplifting during COVID and I still listen over and over again.
The book that moved me the most at a critical time in my career was ‘The Big Five for Life’ by John P. Strelecky. He was a guest speaker at the last women’s network event that I spoke at as I was leaving my CTO role at Essent NV (RWE) in the Netherlands. I was invited to speak too as everyone knew I was leaving. I was quite emotional when I realised that over 350 people – men and women – had packed the room to hear me speak. The book was a gift from the Essent team. John shook my hand and signed his book. That book reminds me to live “good Museum days”!
*mum