Richard Lowes is a researcher with a passion for sustainable energy and expertise in energy policy particularly around sustainable heating. Following an MSc in Energy Policy, he worked in the energy industry and was responsible for government relations and policy issues at a gas distribution company focusing on the future of heat. Between 2014 and 2021 he has been based in the University of Exeter's, Energy Policy Group further developing expertise around clean heating — a hugely important but historically underlooked area of energy. Dr Lowes has now moved to work full time for NGO the Regulatory Assistance Project on heat decarbonisation but maintains a commitment to the Flex-Cool-Store project.
Dr Lowes received the BSc degree in Geography and Environmental Management (2009), the MSc in Energy Policy and Sustainability (2010) and the PhD in Energy Policy (2019) from the University of Exeter.
His research has considered lobbying associated with heat policy, the changing roles for businesses in the heat transition (and their responses), perceptions of policy makers to heat decarbonisation and the performance of heat policy measures including the Renewable Heat Incentive. He also advises businesses, charities and Government including WWF, The Regulatory Assistance Project and The Scottish and Irish Government around heat decarbonisation and wider governance issues. He is also a non-executive member of the Scottish Government’s heat decarbonisation strategic policy board. He has given oral evidence to select committees and advised the National Audit Office as well as NGOs.
Dr Lowes has been a researching member of the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) since 2016.
Dr Lowes has made a number of national and international media appearances and tries to ensure his research has a policy impact and engaging with policy makers. He is a regular contributor to Twitter and maintains a blog. He has been particularly involved in the debate over the role of electrification of hydrogen for heating, where he has national expertise. At the 2020 UK Citizens Assembly on Climate Change he was invited to advocate for the importance of heat electrification for net-zero goals.
Research Fellow in Heat and Buildings Decarbonisation
College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geography
University of Exeter
Senior Associate at The Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP)
Non-executive Director of the Scottish Government’s heat decarbonisation programme board
Member of the UK Energy Research Centre