A new control centre to turbocharge the UK government’s mission to provide Britain with cheaper and clean power by 2030 has been announced.

The centre will have Chris Stark, the ex-chief executive of the Climate Change Committee, and ex-director of energy and climate change in the Scottish government between 2016 and 2018, at the helm.

With what the new Labour government has called “a relentless focus” on accelerating the transition away from volatile fossil fuel markets to clean, local power, Mission Control will bring together industry experts and officials to troubleshoot, negotiate, and clear the way for energy projects.

It will work with key energy companies and organisations including the regulator Ofgem, the National Grid, and the Electricity System Operator to remove obstacles and identify and resolve issues as they arise.

Commenting on the centre and his appointment, Stark himself said: “Tackling the climate crisis and accelerating the transition to clean power is the country’s biggest challenge, and its greatest opportunity.

“By taking action now, we can put the UK at the forefront of the global race to net zero – driving down our carbon emissions but also cutting bills for households.

“It is a privilege to head up this work alongside the country’s top energy experts who will make this mission a reality.”

To achieve clean power by 2030, energy secretary Ed Miliband has also asked the Electricity System Operator to provide advice on the pathways towards the 2030 ambition, with expert analysis of the location and type of new investment and infrastructure needed to deliver it.

Fintan Slye, CEO of the Electricity System Operator, also commented: “I am excited to work with the secretary of state on the blueprint for the future of our power system.

“I also look forward to working with industry and stakeholders across Great Britain as we undertake this critical analysis.”

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The launch of Mission Control comes alongside the work of Great British Energy — a new company to be owned by the British public, with new infrastructure by the British public, delivering power back to the British public.

It aims to help the UK take back control of its energy system, in order to cut bills and protect consumers, create good jobs across the country, and tackle the climate crisis.