Leading the charge: Transforming cities through energy innovation and collaboration
Our latest profile of people within E.ON driving innovation spotlights Phil McDermott, City Energy Transformation Lead, who is spearheading strategic partnerships that rethink energy, transforming cities into sustainable centres of tomorrow.
“Innovation is essential because the challenges cities face today are complex and constantly evolving. It’s about climate change as much as it is economic growth and tackling social inequality. Traditional approaches alone aren't enough. We need new ideas, collaborations, and different ways of thinking and working to make real progress.”
Phil McDermott’s professional career in energy began as a business analyst, but during his student days he not only installed household electrical equipment, such as TV’s and videos recorders, but cleaned streets and tidied gardens for a local council. Roles in which he enjoyed making a difference and helping customers. Today, as City Transformation Lead, he is again helping local authorities to get cleaner and greener.
Phil is at the forefront of forging partnerships with cities designed to rethink energy by focusing on integrated community solutions that help to lower bills and reduce fuel poverty. His role involves creating closer working relationships with local authorities to bring about quicker decision-making and deliver mutual benefits across communities. To do this, he emphasises the importance of innovation, collaboration, and new technologies to address the complex challenges faced by cities, whether it is environmental targets, energy security of the cost of living.
“When we work with cities and regions, we’re not just delivering short-term fixes – we’re helping them to rethink how systems like transport, energy, housing, and skills can work better together. Innovation allows us to design smarter energy solutions, unlock new funding models, and build resilience into how places grow and adapt. That often means integrating smarter, digital infrastructure, local energy systems such as microgrids or new circular economy models that link the energy needs and by-products from different sectors like Ectogrid. All of these need a forward-thinking mindset across sectors.
“Innovation is essential because today’s cities face complex, resource-constrained challenges that can’t be solved in isolation. To make real progress, we must find new ways to collaborate – bringing together diverse sectors to tackle interconnected issues, such as energy sharing to drive meaningful change.”
Working with teams already dedicated to cities including Coventry, Sheffield, and the City of London, Phil is actively involved in initiatives such as E.ON’s Strategic Energy Partnership with Coventry City Council. He also chairs the Nottingham Economic Growth Board, supporting the city’s development and growth initiatives, while building a closer relationship with the region. His dedication extends beyond work, as he also serves as a governor for a school for children with Special Educational Needs in his native Nottinghamshire, where he is leading a sustainable energy project for the school, to reduce costs and carbon.
In his current role, Phil has successfully led consortium funded innovation projects, such as the HYDESS hydrogen feasibility study in Sheffield and a sewer heat recovery project in Nuneaton. He focuses on fostering partnerships with cities to drive sustainable development and growth.
His career journey showcases his strategic vision, commitment to innovation, and passion for driving sustainable development, making a positive difference to communities, cities and regions across the UK.