Nikki Pillinger – Specialist Connections Manager

“Knows how to make an attractive connection, and the costly pitfalls to avoid”

Nikki is one of the most respected and well-liked individuals in the connections community. Since achieving an MSc in Energy Policy from the University of Exeter, she has 11 years of experience in the energy industry, 8 of those as a grid connection specialist. At Roadnight Taylor she combines her project expertise with sector leadership, providing pro bono hours and webinars to support community energy groups alongside her client work. Nikki is also co-chair of Regen’s Grid Connections Working Group, where she helps shape best practice and technical policy across the sector. She knows how to make an attractive connection, and the costly pitfalls to avoid.

Track record

Before joining Roadnight Taylor, Nikki led the grid connections function at GRIDSERVE, managing connections for its EV charging forecourts and utility-scale renewables projects. She previously headed the grid team at British Solar Renewables, delivering connections for a wide range of solar and storage installations. Alongside project delivery, Nikki has overseen grid aspects of acquisitions and sales and has extensive experience in origination, safeguarding, de-risking, project management and energisation.

She has also been active across the industry, sitting on DNO steering groups and contributing to CUSC consultations. In addition, Nikki lectures at the Centre for Alternative Technology, encouraging others to pursue careers in renewable energy, and as a STEM Ambassador she leads workshops on renewable energy for primary and secondary school children. She also gives time to local conservation and food projects.

Off the clock

If she has time, after all that lot, Nikki enjoys hiking, horse riding and wild swimming. She is also undertaking a barn conversion, which is both a challenge and a joy, much like the projects she takes on professionally!