Richard Lowes is a specialist in the technology and policy associated with heating and is based within RAP’s Europe programme. He joined RAP in 2021 with over 10 years’ heat policy experience in industry, academia and working with policymakers. Richard currently coordinates much of RAP’s work on clean heating in Europe and globally, and as part of this, co-chairs the Clean Heat Forum international policy network.
After earning an advanced degree in energy policy, Lowes worked for UK energy company SSE before moving on to gas transporter SGN, where he led the company’s work on policy and public affairs. In 2014 he moved to the University of Exeter, where he completed a doctorate alongside various heat-focused research projects. He also lectured on energy policy. Since 2019, he has been a non-executive director of the Scottish government’s heat decarbonisation programme board.
Richard Lowes has a track record of delivering high-impact heat decarbonisation research and remains a research fellow at the University of Exeter. He has provided oral evidence to multiple UK parliamentary select committees, was an expert advisor to the National Audit Office inquiry into Great Britain’s Renewable Heat Incentive, and was an advocate for sustainable heating at the 2020 Climate Assembly UK.
He holds a first class honours degree in geography and environmental management, in addition to his master’s (with distinction) in energy policy and doctorate in the development of UK sustainable heating policy.
How Richard Lowes is Energizing Change
One foot in the past: The role of hybrid heat pumps in Europe
Reducing emissions in Europe’s buildings necessitates replacing fossil fuel boilers with greener alternatives. Hybrid heat pumps have… Read More +
Heat pumps for Spain: Reforming Spanish energy policy to support the transition to clean heating
Spain is a geographically diverse country, with climate zones to match: the hot, dry southern coast gives… Read More +