People Spotlight: Meet David Lee
Our People Spotlight series introduces you to our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting a technical director for renewable energy from our energy team based in Edinburgh, providing insight into their inspiration and work.
David Lee has driven many impactful renewables projects throughout his career. Passionate about sustainability, David combines technical expertise with community-focused solutions. His journey highlights that true advocacy in renewable energy is not only about technical contributions but also about communicating the importance of sustainable development in positive and understandable ways.
Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.
I鈥檝e been with 91影视 for 14 years now, and my journey into the renewable energy industry has been both rewarding and transformative. My interest in renewables began during my time at university in Edinburgh, where I pursued a civil engineering degree. Back then, renewable energy wasn鈥檛 as prominent as it is today; specific degrees were few and far between. However, I found myself drawn to the subject, particularly onshore wind, which became the focus of my dissertation.
After graduating, I initially worked in civil engineering outside the renewable sector due to the limited opportunities during the financial crash. However, when an opportunity arose at 91影视 in Edinburgh, I knew I had to take it. It was my dream job out of university to work on onshore wind developments and contribute to a sustainable future. What keeps me inspired is the belief that renewable energy is not just about tackling climate change but also, by reducing costs and providing community ownership, addressing issues like fuel poverty and building resilience in communities. It鈥檚 a field that truly makes a difference.
What keeps me inspired is the belief that renewable energy is not just about tackling climate change but also, by reducing costs and providing community ownership, addressing issues like fuel poverty and building resilience in communities.
What is your favorite 91影视 project that you鈥檝e worked on and why?
Back in 2012, one of the first projects I worked on was the installation of a 2.5-megawatt wind turbine at Lancaster University. I used to drive down and do the foundation inspections and a lot more on-the-ground engineering work than I do now. Fast forward 10 years, we returned to Lancaster to install an 11-megawatt solar farm. Seeing the evolution of this project and maintaining a long-term relationship with the client has been incredibly rewarding. It鈥檚 a testament to the impact we can have over time.
I鈥檝e also enjoyed working on projects like the Pennon Solar Portfolio鈥檚 renewable energy installations. These projects not only reduce carbon footprints but also demonstrate the potential of renewables to inspire future generations. It鈥檚 about showing what鈥檚 possible when sustainability is at the forefront of design and development.
Pumped storage hydro represents a significant opportunity for us, and we have been actively involved in the Loch na Cathrach project, previously Red John, since 2016. We began by assisting the client in identifying a suitable site, followed by the development of that site. Our support extended through the planning application and environmental assessments. It was 100 percent delivered by us from an engineering and environmental planning side. We guided the client from the initial concept all the way through to executing the final plan.聽
These projects not only reduce carbon footprints but also demonstrate the potential of renewables to inspire future generations. It鈥檚 about showing what鈥檚 possible when sustainability is at the forefront of design and development.
Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.
A project I鈥檓 particularly proud of is our work in Nigeria. Funded by the European Union (EU) through the Department for International Development (DfID), we helped deploy 2.5 megawatts and 6.7 megawatt-hours of solar photovoltaic and battery storage across 50 sites in northern Nigeria, giving a renewable supply of electricity to maternity wards, hospitals and shelters for domestic abuse survivors. The project was rewarding not just for its climate benefits but also for the life-saving infrastructure it provided. For example, the renewable energy allowed hospitals to store coronavirus vaccines safely and deliver babies under proper lighting instead of relying on phone flashlights. Knowing that our work had such a direct and positive impact on people鈥檚 lives was incredibly fulfilling.
This project is a perfect example of how our work can transform communities. By providing a reliable renewable energy supply, we improved healthcare facilities and created safer environments for vulnerable populations. It鈥檚 projects like these that remind me why I do what I do. Even though we worked remotely from Edinburgh due to security concerns, the impact of our efforts was tangible and life-changing for those communities.聽聽
By providing a reliable renewable energy supply, we improved healthcare facilities and created safer environments for vulnerable populations.
Share a piece of career advice.
If you鈥檙e considering a career in renewables, my advice is simple: understand the bigger picture. It鈥檚 not just about the technical aspects like designing a wind turbine foundation but also about why we鈥檙e doing it. What are the environmental impacts? How does it benefit the community? Having a holistic view will not only make you a better engineer but also help you connect with clients and stakeholders on a deeper level.
Don鈥檛 be afraid to immerse yourself in the industry. Renewables are a fast-changing, highly visible field often at the center of political and social discussions. By staying informed and passionate, you鈥檒l not only keep up but also stand out.
I often reflect on my journey in this industry and the passion that drives everyone involved. I remember working alongside environmental colleagues like ecologists, and it was clear we all shared the same love for the environment. We weren鈥檛 there to destroy nature for the sake of development; we were there because we genuinely believed in protecting it. At times, our mission felt like a balancing act. Whether it was addressing issues like climate change, enhancing community resilience against fuel poverty or promoting sustainability overall, every project had its own set of multiple benefits. I truly believe that if you鈥檙e going to work in this field, you have to be an advocate for the environment. You need to shout about the positive changes we鈥檙e making, loud enough to remind everyone that our work matters.
In essence, while one might think our field would naturally be at the forefront of positive change, it鈥檚 a continuous effort to connect, inspire and advocate effectively. And though it should be easier, the work itself challenges us to be better every day.