Modern Fleet speaks to Spencer Thompson of Eclipse Power, an Independent Distribution Network Operator about his career, Jack Nicholson and tunnelling under London for the Olympics
What car do you drive?
I drive a VW camper van for work and pleasure. It’s a brilliant utility vehicle that you can use for day trips or long weekends away.
How and when did you get into this industry?
I’ve been in the industry my whole career, ever since I graduated from Northumbria University in 1991. I learnt my trade at a substation manufacturer, then rose through the project management ranks to my position today. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, and I’d recommend the industry to any young engineers today – it’s a fascinating sector with many exciting things happening.
Tell us a bit more about Eclipse Power?
Eclipse Power is an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) that makes connecting energy assets to the grid easier. Particularly for EV charging infrastructure, the IDNO model can significantly improve the connection process.
From lamppost charging to EV hubs or fleet depots, while they’ve all got unique characteristics, the biggest challenge for these sites is getting connected and getting the capacity they need. Often, traditional DNOs aren’t agile enough to meet customer connections expectations. An IDNO such as Eclipse is agile. We guide EV asset owners through the connection process, argue their case and get them connected in a timely, cost-effective way. We also offer capex subsidies that help with the viability of EV asset projects too.
What are your industry predictions for the next 12 months?
There will be more ‘zero-bill’ developments, also known as microgrids, that comprise the installation of multiple energy assets, such as batteries, solar panels, and EV chargers. Because the battery market is slowing down, the price of battery projects will likely fall too, which will encourage more zero-bill developments in the commercial sector. EV charger installations will probably grow faster over the next 12 months too, even though we’re currently behind the curve for the 2050 target. Access to the grid is the biggest challenge for EV charge point installation project.
What is the strangest or most challenging job you have done?
I worked on a London Power Tunnels project to get large amounts of cabling in the ground ahead of the 2012 Olympics. It was a fast, complex project with a tight budget. I’m proud to have been involved with it because it was challenging. Learning about the tunnelling industry was fascinating too.
If you had your time again, would you have followed the same career path?
Absolutely. I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m an engineer at heart, so I wouldn’t be anywhere else. It’s also a sector full of incredible people who are a pleasure to work alongside.
If you had been reincarnated, who or what do you think you were in a past life?
I’m an engineer through and through, so the chances are I would have been an engineer or a scientist in my past life. There is a part of me that would like to have been a sportsman who achieved great things. But based on likelihood alone, I think the past me was an engineer.
If you could invite four people to a dinner party – living or dead – who would they be – and why?
Jack Nicholson is in many of my favourite films, so I’d begin by inviting him. Next, I’d invite Einstein. I read his biography recently – such a fascinating life and very different to Jack Nicholson. I’d invite Muhammad Ali because of what he achieved early in his career and then later during the civil rights movement. And finally, Jacques Anquetil, a cyclist from the 60s who dominated the sport with strength and determination that far outweighed everyone else.
What are your passions outside the workplace?
I enjoy cycling, motorcycling, and travelling the UK in our camper van – the Isle of Skye is my favourite place to go because it’s stunning, remote, and has great food and beaches.
If they made a film about your life who would play you?
It would have to be Jack Nicholson.
Describe yourself in five words?
Passionate in everything I do.
