Mark Thompson
A retired energy expert who is passionate about engaging the public in energy, de-mything and de-fearing it and the changes and benefits that clean home technologies will bring.
Professional background
After studying physics and electronics at university, I spent my career in engineering, innovation and technology development. From 2010 until my retirement in early 2024 I focussed solely on supporting the development of clean energy solutions in the public sector. I spent the last 9 years working in the Government’s Innovate UK organisation, leading many aspects of its energy programme. I also led the development of a strategy to reduce indoor pollution in homes as well as make energy efficiency more attractive to the public.
Long term personal interests in energy efficiency
I have undertaken two major low carbon house refurbishments. Both projects included heat pumps, both solar hot water and photovoltaic systems. One project included mechanical heat recovery ventilation.
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I own a professional standard thermal-imaging camera, and am professionally trained in its use. As a retirement hobby I support my local community and increasingly people further afield understand how they can make their homes warmer, or reducing their energy costs.
As part of this I have developed particularly strong skills in helping households improve the performance of their heat pumps. As you will see from my blogs, making heat pumps work brilliantly isn't as hard as you might think.
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I give my time freely for both this web site and my support of other people, simply asking for donations to a local charity, a cancer hospice that is important to me.
Talks and streaming media
Since 2020 I've delivered more than 100 talks to the public on a range of different climate change and decarbonisation subjects.
Two of my most popular talks are on energy efficiency in the home, and how homes affect the health of their occupants.
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The videos and podcasts section of this site includes streamable content including recent appearances on local radio answering listeners questions on home energy.
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I was also featured on BBC Radio 4 Sliced Bread in February 2025 as the guest expert on boiling water taps.
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I also give talks on:
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de-mything electric vehicles and another specifically
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misinformation about climate change and decarbonisation, how to spot it and how to deal with it.
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I am very active as a campaigner for action on both outdoor and indoor air pollution.
