Loide Matias da Silva
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Lightsource bp
Give us a brief description of your background
The first time I heard about renewables, I was around 14 years old; 10 years later, I graduated with a Renewable Energy Engineer degree, and two years after that with a Masters degree in International Energy Law and Policy. My education and experience positioned me to work for the European Agency for Energy Regulators (ACER), which resulted in me being featured on Forbes Africa Lusophone as the first black person to work for ACER.
I am currently working for Lightsource BP, the largest solar developer in Europe, and third largest in the world outside China. At the moment, I am completing a secondment as a Senior Executive Officer at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), under the British Government’s Solar Taskforce. My role with the DESNZ includes several responsibilities. Notably, I serve as the key liaison between the DESNZ and the UK Devolved Administrations. I also oversee the creation of the Solar Taskforce Roadmap, which, when completed, will outline the actions needed to increase the United Kingdom’s solar capacity nearly fivefold by 2035.
Who/what inspires you?
I’m constantly inspired by those who came before me and created the spaces and path for me to ‘walk the walk’.
To mention the list of everyone who inspires me would be an infinitive task. but recently, I’ve been closely watching the work of Damilola Ogunbiyi; she is the CEO and UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative (SRSG) for Sustainable Energy for All, and the Co-chair of UN-Energy. I am impressed by her story of resilience, drive and the impact she has made towards the realisation of the objectives of the Sustainable Energy for All project. I am consistently motivated by her diligence, which, to me, shows that one can achieve anything if one puts in the work.
What does the word leadership make you think of?
For me, leadership is an embodiment of service. To be a leader means a constant dance with challenges and an unending drive to elevate others, to bring out the best in them. It is a duty to encourage, a charge to deliver and a call to inspire.
How do you feel about taking part in the Future Leaders programme?
I’m humbled and excited to be part of this exciting programme. To have the opportunity to develop further future leadership skills opens a door of great possibilities and will give me the tools to serve better.
What do you think are the keys to a sustainable future?
Creating a sustainable future involves addressing various interconnected issues across environmental, social, and economic domains. Some key factors crucial to achieving sustainability are:
Renewable energy, resourcing efficiency, biodiversity conservation, climate action, education awareness, social equity and justice, innovation and technology, policy and governance, ethical and responsible business practices, etc.
Achieving a sustainable future requires a holistic approach, integrating these elements while considering local contexts and global interdependencies.
Collaboration and commitment from individuals, communities, businesses, governments, and programmes such as the Future Leaders Programme are essential for meaningful progress towards a sustainable future.
