Oliver Knight Email & Phone Number

London, England, United Kingdom

SmartShift Energy empower people and communities to effortlessly optimise their electricity use, save money and accelerate the transition to green energy.

London, England, United Kingdom

The Zinc Venture Builder is a full time, 12-month programme that exists to build brand new companies that tackle the biggest social challenges across the world.I have been selected to join 70 other founders in residence on Zinc's seventh mission: Eliminating Environmental Threats to our Health. Founders have six months to find a co-founder within the cohort, shape a business idea, incorporate, and pitch to Zinc's Investment Committee. My area of focus has been the energy transition, building on my prior experience.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Transitioned back to Washington, DC, continuing with the role of Pakistan Energy Program Lead until April 2023. Current activities include:- Pipeline development on energy efficiency operations in Pakistan at the federal and provincial levels;- Supervision of the Sindh Solar Energy Project, including modifications in response to COVID-19;- Coordination of the Pakistan Sustainable Energy Program, a multi-year technical assistance program;- Finalizing of a number of technical studies on energy efficiency opportunities in Pakistan;- Co-leading our technical assistance to the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy in India on offshore wind.

Islamabad, Pakistan

Transitioned to Islamabad on a short-term assignment of one year to take on the role of coordinating the World Bank's energy program, in addition to the responsibilities outlined in the previous role in Washington, DC. Focused on pipeline development with particular focus on energy efficiency, leading to the initiation of two separate requests for World Bank financing in this area. Provided significant contributions to the Pakistan Climate Change & Development Report.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Transitioned to the South Asia Energy Unit of the World Bank during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of an annual batch rotation process, based in Washington, DC.Activities during this period:- Supervision of the Sindh Solar Energy Project, including modifications in response to COVID-19;- Coordination of the Pakistan Sustainable Energy Program, a multi-year technical assistance program;- Publication of multiple technical studies under the above program, in particular on renewable energy;- Engagement with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy in India on offshore wind, including a roadmap study;- Support to the global offshore wind team in ESMAP.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Led the Renewable Energy team in ESMAP from 2018-2020, consisting of around six energy sector professionals. Initiated and led a number of global knowledge generation programs, including:- Low Carbon Development (2011-2013);- Results-Based Funding (2011-2013);- Renewable Energy Resource Assessment & Mapping (2013-2020);- Solar Power (2017-2018);- Offshore Wind Development Program (2018-2020).Took over as task team lead of the Sindh Solar Energy Project in Pakistan during 2017 under an internal cross-support arrangement, with Board approval secured in June 2018. Also led on a number of technical assistance activities in Pakistan and Vietnam, including a study to assess the options for integration of higher shares of renewable energy within the Pakistan electricity system.

London, United Kingdom

Policy development and program management within DFID's Climate & Environment Department. Let or provided substantial input on the following initiatives:- The creation and subsequent management of the Climate Investment Funds;- UK policy towards the multilateral development banks' clean energy operations;- DFID country programs on low carbon development;- Results-based financing to attract private sector investment in energy access and clean energy.

London, United Kingdom

As part of an independent think tank and watchdog to the UK Government, provided advice on a wide range of issues, including renewables incentives, energy regulation, buildings energy efficiency and aviation. Managed and authored high profile reports, including a comprehensive guide to onshore wind power, a controversial report on nuclear power, and a complex study of tidal power (including the Severn Barrage).

London, United Kingdom

Designed and managed installation projects and generated sales for this London-based solar photovoltaic design and installation company.

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Established a new business in Tanzania in conjunction with local partners; became the authorised distributor for British Berkefeld water filters and worked with the University of Dar Es Salaam to explore the potential for locally-manufactured solar hot water systems.

Manchester, United Kingdom

Responsible for representing the University of Manchester at undergraduate recruitment events across the UK, giving talks at schools, and organizing recruitment events at the university.

Master'S Degree, Environmental Technology, Distinction

Broad-based environmental studies semester followed by in-depth study of energy policy and technologies. Final semester’s thesis project.

Bachelor'S Degree, Economics And Social Policy, 2:1

Activities and Societies: Treasurer of the Musical Society and performed in a production of West Side Story.Focused on modules in macro.