Nova Innovation Hires Former SSE Executive

Nova Innovation, the Edinburgh-based tidal energy company has appointed Ian Marchant, the former SSE Chief Executive, as Chairman.

Ian Marchant was head of the UK energy firm SSE for over 10 years before standing down in 2013. Since then he has taken director and chairman roles with selected companies including Aggreko, Wood Group and Infinis.

Commenting on Ian’s appointment, Simon Forrest Managing Director of Nova Innovation said: “Ian’s appointment helps strengthen the Nova board as we continue to grow our business. He brings a wealth of experience and insight that will accelerate Nova’s growth and commercial development.”

Ian Marchant said “I am delighted to be joining the Nova Innovation team. I am extremely impressed with the team’s focus on the commercial realities of tidal energy, their commitment to design and manufacture here in Scotland, the importance of community involvement in their activities and the clear values that drive the business. I believe that tidal energy production can make a meaningful contribution to the production of clean affordable energy and believe that Nova have the right strategy to make this happen.”

Earlier this year Nova Innovation successfully designed, built and deployed the world’s first community-owned tidal project in the Bluemull Sound in Shetland. Following the success of this project, Nova secured £3.75M investment package through private and public bodies to deliver a tidal array at the same site – potentially another world first.