Barry Johnston (AssetCool)
Overview
Barry Johnston is a notable entrepreneur and innovator, primarily recognized for his role as the co-founder of AssetCool, a leading climate technology company based in Leeds, United Kingdom. Established in 2016 with co-founder Dr. Niall Coogan, the company offers innovative photonic cooling solutions designed to enhance the efficiency and capacity of power transmission lines. These advancements serve to reduce energy losses and carbon emissions, significantly contributing to sustainable energy infrastructure.
Recent Developments
In recent years, AssetCool has made several strides underfoot due to Barry Johnston's leadership.
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August 2023: AssetCool successfully closed a £2.25 million Series A funding round. This round was led by Northern Gritstone and included participants such as the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund and Kero Development Partners. The funds aim to commercialize their photonic power line coating technology which boasts the ability to reduce power losses significantly and improve energy efficiency.
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2023: With the funding secured, AssetCool developed and deployed aerial robotic systems capable of retrofitting existing power networks with their cutting-edge cooling technology. The innovation marks a step forward in optimizing existing infrastructures without needing extensive rebuilds, aligning with global trends towards energy efficiency and sustainability.
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Mid-2023: Johnston's innovation portfolio continued to grow as the company expanded operations to Alberta, Canada, implementing a project to leverage their cooling coatings on local power lines. This initiative, supported by local government funding, showcased the global applicability and scalability of AssetCool’s technology.
Johnston's ongoing engagements reflect his commitment to pioneering sustainable technological solutions and his resilience in the face of evolving global energy needs.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Barry Nicholas Johnston |
| Born | October 1957, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Innovator |
| Known For | Co-founder of AssetCool |
| Education | Heriot-Watt University (Offshore Engineering) |
Early Life and Education
Barry Johnston was born in October 1957 in the United Kingdom. He pursued his initial studies in Offshore Engineering at Heriot-Watt University, gaining a strong foundation in engineering principles that would later inform his work in renewable energy. Johnston's academic journey was marked by a PhD in marine renewables, also at Heriot-Watt University, where he conducted significant research in offshore testing operations and sustainable energy solutions.
His academic career was complemented by a passion for innovation and renewable energy, which eventually led him to co-found AssetCool. Johnston's background in engineering and renewable energy positioned him as a prominent figure within the energy sector, renowned for his ability to integrate engineering acumen with sustainability goals.
Career and Notable Achievements
Barry Johnston's professional journey is punctuated by significant achievements and contributions to the field of sustainable energy:
- 2002: Founded Scotrenewables, with the support of an Enterprise Fellowship from the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
- 2016: Co-founded AssetCool with Dr. Niall Coogan. Together, they introduced a novel approach to enhance the efficiency of power transmission lines using photonic cooling technology.
- 2023: Under Johnston's leadership, AssetCool completed a successful funding round, aimed at expanding their technology's reach and impact globally.
- Awards: Johnston has been recognized with several awards throughout his career for his contributions to renewable energy.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Barry Johnston continues to influence the energy sector through his work at AssetCool. His focus remains on scaling up the company’s revolutionary cooling technology across existing power grids and exploring new markets. Johnston's dedication to optimizing energy networks not only improves grid efficiency but also plays a critical role in reducing global carbon emissions.
Through AssetCool, Johnston exemplifies a commitment to addressing climate change challenges, which positions his work as pivotal in the global transition to sustainable energy systems.
Conclusion
Barry Johnston’s contributions to the field of renewable energy and climate technology are profound, with AssetCool standing as a testament to his lifelong dedication to innovation. As global energy demands grow and climate concerns intensify, Johnston’s work, particularly with photonic coatings, has the potential to significantly influence the future of energy transmission systems. His ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions contribute to a broader vision of a sustainable world, offering potential solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.