The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet their ordinary tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
My name is Alex Perkin, and I work for an international energy company spanning renewables, gas, thermal power and emerging technologies. As a programme manager in the renewables team, I work on business development opportunities involving utility scale onshore wind, solar and battery storage projects across the globe.
My role involves identifying and developing renewable energy projects, increasing the availability of clean energy on the grid. For example, we might identify a piece of land that is particularly windy or sunny and assess its potential for power generation. Once a project is viable, I look for buyers for the electricity produced. Some markets operate on an open-access basis, where the regulator manages distribution, while others have direct off-take agreements, supplying power through private wires directly to industrial users. I am also involved in mergers and acquisitions, helping to expand our renewable energy portfolio.
I studied geography and international development at university, with a desire to love God and neighbour by making a positive impact in emerging markets. I began in the charity sector but soon realised that the private sector could drive significant, sustainable change. Renewable energy is a powerful force for good, supporting economic growth, job creation and access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy, which is a UN development goal.
What I love most about my job is the variety. My work spans financial analysis, legal contracts, strategy, project management, timelines, managing risk and teamwork. The increasing demand for electricity makes renewable energy critical not only for grid security but also for enabling technologies like AI.
One of the biggest challenges is knowing whether I am truly creating value. The hours can be long, and I want my efforts to count. Electricity shapes economies, communities and the environment. But I believe that how we work is just as important as what we work on. The energy sector, like any industry, involves working with a wide range of personalities, and I strive to approach my work with integrity, kindness and humility. I aim to admit when I don’t know something or have made a mistake and to champion good work.
I don’t know what the future holds, but I know the one who holds the future. Please pray that I stay focused on what truly matters and create lasting impact in these uncertain times.
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