Deputy Directors, Heat Networks and Biomethane Policy, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Policy Fellows, Centre for Science and Policy

Ludo Tolu and Sam Massey are joint Deputy Directors for Heat Networks and Biomethane Policy at the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). In this role they are leading the development of innovative policies to support the UK’s net zero transition.

Sam is an experienced policy professional having worked on climate, energy and environmental issues in various Government departments including Cabinet Office, Treasury, Ministry of Justice and UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB) over the last 16 years. She is able to think strategically through complex system level challenges, balancing multiple perspectives at the same time to identify the key benefits and trade offs, not shying away from hard truths. She has an unusual background that enables her to understand the policy, finance and operational angles to any problem and is deeply passionate about solving climate change in a way that actually works for people, making life better.

Ludo’s background is in environmental governance and regulation. Before working at DESNZ and UKIB alongside Sam, they worked at the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs where they set up the Office for Environmental Protection and introduced Environmental Principles into UK policy making. As a government economist, they also worked on regulations covering chemicals, gas safety, radiation and other health and safety matters. They hold a MPhil in Environmental Policy from the University of Cambridge and an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Malta.