The former CEO of Sheffield Forgemasters and director of BAE Systems, David Bond, has been unveiled as the chair of SY Energy, a new partnership that will maximise economic investment and jobs in South Yorkshire’s clean-tech sector.
The vision of SY Energy is to support and maximise the economic opportunities in South Yorkshire in emerging areas of the energy sector, such as Small Modular Reactors, Hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation Fuels.
Mr Bond will lead the work of maximising supply chain development in the clean-tech sector as well as attracting investment and jobs within the region. SY Energy, a partnership of private sector companies, researchers and public sector bodies was launched by South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, earlier this year.
South Yorkshire has unique strengths in Small Modular Reactors, Hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation and is becoming the natural home for these emerging sectors.
SY Energy will work to de-risk investment decisions for clean-tech businesses together with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) who will help to attract talent and develop targeted skills programmes.
Businesses will also be supported to grow and build links with other regions and businesses in the UK and across the world.
David Bond comes to the role with decades of experience having worked for BAE Systems for 39-years before leading Sheffield Forgemasters between 2018 and March of this year.
Chair of SY Energy, David Bond, said: “I am very excited to be asked to lead the important work of SY Energy – a partnership that will help the region meet its significant potential to be a major contributor in driving the UK transition to clean energy, whilst unlocking new export opportunities.
“I know from my time at Forgemasters what South Yorkshire is capable of delivering in terms of technical innovation and manufacturing prowess. SY Energy will help to build upon our region’s legacy for a wealthier, greener future.”
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Step by step we’re making South Yorkshire a clean energy manufacturing superpower. SY Energy, chaired by David Bond, will be one of the most important parts of that plan; helping us to build on our industrial strengths to continue creating those new industries of the future right here.
“David has an unparalleled wealth of experience, knowledge and industry contacts, which is why we’re so grateful he has chosen to continue his long association with South Yorkshire by agreeing to take on this new role.
“Working together with our universities, industrial partners and communities, under David’s leadership SY Energy is going to maximise investment, jobs and opportunities for the benefit of our region, the north and the whole of the country.”
SY Energy will create a Supply Chain Centre of Excellence, promoting the region, establishing links with key partners, building local capability, and developing investment proposals.
The main partners within the SY Energy Partnership are SYMCA, Sheffield City Council, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Forgemasters.
It comes after South Yorkshire was chosen as the new home of Holtec’s planned advanced Small Modular Reactor (SMR) factory.
