Mark Horsley, CEO of Northern Gas Networks (NGN), joins us to explore how his organisation is navigating one of today’s most urgent challenges: creating an energy system that is secure, sustainable, and equitable. NGN delivers energy services to 6.8 million people across Northern England and has emerged as a pioneering force in the UK’s net-zero journey under Mark’s leadership.
Since our previous discussion in 2021, Mark has spearheaded ambitious projects - from a £25 million hydrogen development fund in partnership with JCB to initiatives like East Coast Hydrogen, part of a broader collaboration to strengthen the UK’s energy resilience.
In this episode, he delves into why hydrogen remains critical for industrial energy, how electrification is shifting government agendas, and why balancing decarbonisation with affordability demands a pragmatic approach. Beyond the technical and operational side, Mark highlights NGN’s innovative citizen-led accountability model, including consultation panels that engage younger voices, and staff training that blends technical expertise with social awareness to better support vulnerable households.
Central to Mark’s leadership philosophy is a guiding question: can an energy network do more than just deliver services? For him, the answer lies in prioritising people - customers, communities, and colleagues alike - while shaping an energy system that works for everyone.