Jeremy's Story
Working in the fossil fuel industry
I began my career in the oil and gas industry after studying at the Royal School of Mines, part of Imperial College London. As a geologist, I researched how fossil fuel reserves are formed and where they can be found. Later, I joined the faculty at the Royal School of Mines, where my research was funded by major oil companies, including Shell and BP.
At the time, this seemed a natural and rewarding career path. Oil and gas powered economies around the world, and the industry offered exciting opportunities for scientific research. However, as I became more familiar with climate science, I grew increasingly concerned about the environmental consequences of burning fossil fuels. The more I learned, the harder it became to ignore the evidence that climate change posed a serious threat.
When I realised it was time to leave
My change in direction did not happen overnight. It came from years of studying the science and watching the growing gap between what researchers were discovering and how the energy industry was responding.
Eventually, I felt I could no longer continue working in oil and gas. As I have said before, I “quit oil and gas on grounds of conscience” and moved into technologies that could help replace fossil fuels. Looking back, I have found there was “nothing to fear, and indeed much to do” in making that change. I believe people should think carefully about how their work affects future generations and whether it allows them to look their children and grandchildren in the eye without shame.
Leaving the industry was a difficult decision, but it was one that aligned my career with my values and my understanding of the science.
What I'm doing today
After leaving the fossil fuel industry, I became determined to help build a cleaner energy future. In 1998, I founded Solarcentury, which grew into one of the world’s leading solar energy companies. My aim was to demonstrate that renewable energy could become a practical and commercially successful alternative to fossil fuels.
Today, I am the founder and CEO of Highlands Rewilding. The company focuses on restoring natural landscapes, improving biodiversity and creating sustainable economic opportunities in rural communities. Through this work, I hope to achieve in environmental restoration what Solarcentury helped achieve in solar energy: proving that positive change can be both environmentally and economically successful.
Parting reflections
My journey from oil geologist to renewable energy entrepreneur has convinced me that change is possible. By embracing innovation and acting on the evidence, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come.