SuperNode Ltd., the developer of innovative subsea and terrestrial superconducting electricity transmission cables, today announced changes to its Board of Directors, following the passing of SuperNode founder and chairperson, Dr. Eddie O’Connor on 6 January 2024.
New chairperson is Pat Cox, who has served on the SuperNode board since the company was established in 2018. He was a Member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 2004 and served as its president from 2002 to 2004.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at University of Strathclyde in Glasgow has joined the SuperNode board. He is the current President of the Royal Academy of Engineering and an internationally recognised authority in the electricity supply industry, has joined SuperNode’s board of Directors.
Rob O’Connor, has also joined the board of SuperNode. He is a mechanical engineer and holds an MBA. Rob has a background in sustainable building physics and SaaS. Since 2018, he has been Chief Commercial Officer of SuperNode.
SuperNode Chairperson Pat Cox welcomed the new board members, stating that:
“No words can adequately express the sense of loss of SuperNode’s founder. Without hesitation we will continue delivering on Eddie’s vision of developing and deploying the next generation of superconducting transmission cable technology to decarbonise Europe’s energy supply using indigenous renewable sources.”
“SuperNode is delighted to add Sir Jim’s wealth of skills and expertise to the board. His experience and deep knowledge of the electricity sector will be an invaluable asset to SuperNode.”
“As SuperNode moves closer to commercialisation, establishing a manufacturing plant and pilot testing later this year, Rob O’Connor brings essential knowledge, experience and drive to SuperNode’s Board of Directors.”
Sir Jim McDonald responded, saying that he was delighted to join the board of SuperNode:
“I have been hugely impressed by the vision behind and the technology developed by SuperNode, and I have no doubt that SuperNode’s technology will play a key role in decarbonising energy systems. I am extremely excited to join SuperNode on that journey.”
Rob O’Connor responded:
“It’s a thrilling time to be joining the SuperNode board. We are entering a new phase, scaling up our cable system prototype in Ireland and connecting SuperNode’s next-generation superconducting cable demonstration with system operators later this year.”
John Fitzgerald, SuperNode CEO, also welcomed the new appointments, stating:
“I am greatly looking forward to working with our new board members, as we build the next generation of superconducting cable technology to deliver energy independence and a decarbonised European energy supply to Europe’s consumers.”
About SuperNode:
SuperNode specialises in the development of innovative subsea and terrestrial electricity transmission cables, harnessing the characteristics of superconductive materials. Superconducting cables are capable of transferring very large amounts of power efficiently over long distances in a much smaller surface area than conventional cables. Superconducting cables can operate at much higher currents and therefore lower voltage levels than conventional copper or aluminium-based cable technology, meaning they require significantly less infrastructure, materials and space and have a smaller environmental footprint. Superconducting cables will be a critical enabling technology for energy independence and a renewable energy future.
SuperNode Board of Directors as of March, 2024:
Pat Cox (Chairman) – Economist. Journalist. Former President of European Parliament; Commandeur de la Légion d’honneur and a recipient of the Charlemagne prize; European Coordinator for the Scandinavian-Mediterranean TEN T (transport) Core Network Corridor (EU). Chairman of the Appointments Advisory Committee, European Investment Bank (EIB).
Henrik O. Madsen – Former President and CEO of DNV; President of World Maritime Technology Congress; Co-founder and CEO DecarbonICE; Chairman of Brezo Energy; Board Member of Global Compact Foundation
Egil Boyum – Executive Vice President Aker Solutions; Board member of Benestad Solutions, and Rainpower AS.
Sir Jim McDonald – Principal and Vice-Chancellor at University of Strathclyde; President of the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng); Co-chair, with the First Minister, the Scottish Government’s Energy Advisory Board; In December 2023 he was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire for his services to engineering, to education and to energy.
Rob O’Connor – Mechanical engineer and MBA with a background in sustainable building physics and SaaS.
Contact:
Christian Kjaer, Chief Public Affairs Officer
+45 9360 2023 – christian.kjaer@supernode.energy