Gravitricity specialises in gravity energy storage and last summer successfully commissioned and tested its grid-connected 250kW demonstrator in Edinburgh.

This year the Edinburgh innovators have secured a £912,000 BEIS grant to design a purpose-built multi-weight energy store in the UK, and the firm is also advancing plans for a full-scale energy storage project at a recently closed coal mine in mainland Europe as it assembles a pipeline of projects worldwide.

Mr Wright brings more than 40 years’ experience in design, construction and programme management with roles including chief executive of Crossrail and director of infrastructure and utilities at the Olympic Delivery Authority for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

He is currently an independent member of the Sponsor Board for the Restoration and Renewal of the Houses of Parliament and is a member of the Independent Design Panel for High Speed 2.

Speaking on his appointment, Simon said: “Storing energy is a critical element in greening our energy systems and I am attracted to Gravitricity by their simple concept which avoids the complexity of mining lithium and other rare metals.

“As a civil engineer, I am particularly interested in the opportunities and challenges of delivering purpose-built shafts wherever required. I believe that building gravity energy storage with good proximity to generators, demand and grid will be a vital component of Gravitricity’s portfolio.”

Mr Wright is the latest senior advisor to Gravitricity and joins Good Energy founder Juliet Davenport OBE who was appointed last year.

Gravitricity commercial director Robin Lane said: “Simon brings enormous experience and expertise in both civil engineering and in the management of complex large-scale infrastructure programmes.

“Gravitricity is now recognised as one of the leading technologies in the global gravity storage market and his understanding of safe and effective delivery will be invaluable as we scale up projects and seek major partners and funders who can participate in our roll out and take a share of risk.

“He is an extremely welcome addition as an advisor to our senior team.”

Simon is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and was awarded an OBE in 2012 for services to the construction industry.