International Control Room Week: 26 October–1 November 2026
The transition to renewable energy is creating opportunities for people to build rewarding second careers, with some of the most valuable skills developed outside the energy industry.
At Natural Power’s ControlCentre, colleagues from backgrounds including the armed forces, the NHS, data engineering and commercial sales bring diverse experience to a team playing a vital role in the safe, efficient operation of renewable energy assets and their connection to the national grid.
For Simon Phillips, Head of ControlCentre Operations, the move into renewable energy followed a career as an infantry soldier in the British Army, and then as a data engineer. The opportunity to work in a growing sector, contribute to net-zero ambitions and take on a role at the heart of renewable energy operations appealed to him.
“I was attracted to the ControlCentre because it offered the opportunity to work at the heart of renewable-energy operations,” he explains. “I liked the combination of real-time problem-solving, responsibility and teamwork, as well as the chance to be involved with a wide range of assets.”
Simon’s military and technical background has proved valuable. Discipline, teamwork, situational awareness and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure all translate well to an operational environment. His data-network experience also developed a logical approach to troubleshooting: gathering the facts, identifying the cause and finding an effective solution. He has also embraced the variety and pace of the work, and ControlCentre’s important role in keeping operations safe and efficient.
These qualities are equally relevant to Mark McMinn, who joined Natural Power as Control Point Technician after more than 23 years in the Royal Navy and a role managing offshore work boats at Robin Rigg wind farm. Having seen the professionalism and high standards of the renewables industry first-hand, he recognised its potential.
“My role in the Royal Navy was operations room manager, so there are lots of skills that cross over,” he explains. “Teamwork, clear and precise communication, following standard operating procedures and being able to work under pressure.”
Amy Henderson, one of our Operational Controllers, also moved into renewable energy after working in the NHS. Looking for a new challenge, she arrived with limited knowledge of the sector or electricity system, but a strong foundation of transferable skills.
“Communication, staying calm under pressure and being able to prioritise have probably been the most valuable,” she says. “My previous career also taught me how important it is to work as part of the team and to ask the right questions when you need to interrogate for more information.”
Briony Irving, another of our Operational Controllers, made a similar transition from the plant and equipment hire and supply sector. The opportunity to learn, develop and progress in a rapidly growing industry attracted her to Natural Power.
Initially concerned that a lack of mechanical knowledge might leave her out of her depth, Briony found that training and support from colleagues helped her build confidence. Her advice to anyone considering a similar move is simple: “Go for it!”
More than monitoring turbines
The team’s experiences also reveal why the ControlCentre is such a critical resource for the UK energy sector.
As the largest independent control room outside of National Grid, Natural Power’s ControlCentre manages 35% of the UK’s onshore wind capacity and more than 22% of the UK’s installed battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity, alongside solar, hydro and other technologies.
As the renewable energy landscape has evolved, so has the work undertaken by the team. ControlCentre operations now extend well beyond monitoring turbines and managing work control. The team coordinates technicians and contractors, manages safe site access, monitors alarms, oversees work control and communicates with network organisations. It also supports balancing and outage coordination, helping renewable generation operate safely and respond to the needs of the electricity system.
Simon has seen first-hand how the scale and complexity of this work have increased.
“One of the most surprising points is the rate of growth of the industry and how ControlCentre has adapted to this,” he says. “I was also surprised by the number of people and the wide range of skillsets involved in the life cycle of the projects.”
For Simon, no two days are the same. His responsibilities span client meetings, liaison across departments, supervising operations, investigating the root causes of resource non-compliance and driving continual improvement.
What he enjoys most is seeing colleagues develop and grow in their roles. He is particularly proud of how staff who have joined from other careers have adapted to the control room environment and now deliver a highest quality of service to clients.
Mark believes the wider contribution of control rooms is not always fully understood, particularly their role in balancing the electricity network and the potential consequences of getting that wrong. International Control Room Week provides an opportunity to share knowledge about these critical operations, both within the renewable energy industry and with the wider public.
A career with room to grow
For people considering a career change, the message from Natural Power’s ControlCentre team is clear: previous experience can be a valuable starting point, rather than a barrier. Industry knowledge can be developed through training, practical experience and support from colleagues, while skills gained elsewhere can bring fresh perspectives to a growing sector.
Simon sees continued growth creating opportunities for people from a wide range of professional backgrounds.
“Go for it,” he advises. “The industry will continue to grow and will require a wide range of skills and experience from our industries.”
The rapid growth of the renewable energy sector depends on attracting people with a broad range of skills and experience, not just those with an existing background in energy. Expertise gained in the armed forces, healthcare, engineering, data management and other industries can bring valuable perspectives to complex operational environments. Skills such as problem-solving, clear communication, teamwork and decision-making under pressure are essential to managing increasingly diverse renewable energy assets safely and efficiently. By welcoming people from different professional backgrounds and supporting them to develop new technical knowledge, the industry can broaden its talent pool, strengthen its capabilities and build the skilled workforce needed to support the energy transition.
As International Control Room Week recognises the people and expertise behind essential control room operations, Natural Power’s team demonstrates how different career paths can come together around a shared purpose: supporting the safe, reliable operation of renewable energy and the UK’s transition to a lower-carbon electricity system.