Tracy Scott CEng FIET
Like so many of her fellow engineers, as a child Tracy maintained a very strong interest in all things mechanical and electrical.
She chose sciences and technology at secondary school and felt that an engineering degree would be the logical next step. A four-year BEng degree in Electromechanical Power Engineering at Loughborough University marked the start of Tracy’s engineering journey. She graduated in October 1999.
“Being a farmer’s daughter, I have always loved the outdoors and the environment, so I stayed on at university after my Bachelor’s degree to do a Master’s in Renewable Energy. And the rest, as they say, is history!”
Renewables career
Tracy joined renewable energy expert RES in November 1999, where she still works today. RES is active in a broad range of renewables, including onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage, green hydrogen, transmission and distribution.
One of the reasons why Tracy has remained at RES is the amazing variety of roles and responsibilities she has been able to take on. Her first role was as a graduate engineer in wind turbine design and development. Two years later she progressed to project engineer for wind farm infrastructure design, which she held for six years.
She became Head of Project Engineering for Northern Europe in 2007. Then in 2015 she decided to change career direction: she took on the role of Project Manager for Onshore Wind in England and succeeded in building two large scale wind farms in the East of England.
After working for more than 15 years in onshore wind, Tracy felt she needed a new challenge in a completely different area of technology. “I project managed the company’s first four utility-scale battery storage projects in the UK and later headed up the UK and Ireland battery storage development team,” she said.
Then in early 2022 she was asked to move again – this time to start the company’s new Green Hydrogen business venture in the form of a joint venture partnership with Octopus Energy Generation called HYRO. “What I really like about my Development Director role is that no two days are the same,” she said.
“I lead a team that develops electrolytic green hydrogen projects in the UK. This involves arranging the grid connection, land security, planning consent, electricity and water supply, hydrogen offtaker and the detailed design for construction.
“I intend to stay in my current position at RES, to deliver HYRO’s first green hydrogen project right through from construction into operations.”
Active volunteer
Tracy is an active IET member and volunteer. Her three current IET volunteer roles enable her to inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians.
As a Professional Registration Advisor Tracy provides advice and guidance to applicants who are seeking Professional Registration on the Engineering Council’s Register of Engineers and Technicians through the IET.
She’s involved in the next stage of the process too: as a Registration Assessor she assesses applicants as part of the professional review process for Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
Tracy finds being a STEM ambassador exciting and inspiring. She loves guiding young people through STEM activities and challenges in local schools, encouraging an early interest in engineering and technology.
She has previously chaired and presented at a number of IET Electrotechnical Competence Programme webinars, sat on the IET Diamond Review Panel and applied her knowledge and experience to mentor early-career engineers.
IET Fellow
Tracy became an IET Fellow in 2011 at the age of 34.
She said: “Being so active in the IET, I was fully aware of the Fellowship process and it seemed like the natural next step. Also, as a female engineer there was a certain drive to prove that I was as good as my male peers. Throughout my career, I believe that I’ve really made a difference in the renewable energy area – and in the UK’s journey to Net Zero.”
Tracy considers it an honour to be part of the IET and she is very proud to be a Fellow. She said: “Being a member of such a prestigious institution has given me a real sense of belonging to the whole industry. RES is a corporate partner of the IET and I lead the partnership from the RES side. I believe it’s motivational for younger engineers, technicians and electricians to see the benefits that IET membership can offer and where their careers might lead to.”
Tracy has always loved learning and developing. She said: “Continuous professional development is for life, not just for the journey to Professional Registration. For me, every day is a school day. I love going to work and learning something I didn’t know about yesterday. That’s what being an IET member and Fellow is all about.
“I would encourage everyone to read, listen, join in, ask questions and take part.”