Mark Turner

At a glance:

Joined Baringa in
2013

Works across
Energy generation and distribution 

Luxury item on a desert island
A collection of coffee grinders to perfect his barista skills 

In detail:

After studying chemistry, Mark launched his career in the lab as a researcher developing oilfield chemicals. This early insight into energy stirred Mark’s curiosity for the economics of power markets. Switching his lab coat for a laptop, Mark spent five years as an energy consultant immersed in the industry before joining Baringa.  

Mark is fascinated by energy: how the market is changing, the dynamics of its supply and demand. How much energy is needed where, and when? How flexible does the system need to be? Mark advises lenders, investors and energy companies on transactions, power markets, market models, and on commercial due diligence.. Threading through all of Mark’s work is decarbonisation — how do we deploy more low-carbon energy? How can the major carbon consumers and drivers of the modern economy, the data centres, aluminium smelters and steelworks decarbonise? 

On Mark’s projects the problem is often ambiguous; there may not be a ready-made answer to work towards. For clients and Baringa teams, this can be uncomfortable, but also liberating. Mark gives them the space to collaborate. To pin down the problem that needs solving. With the challenge clear, Mark applies the scientific rigour that typified his time in the lab. His dream project would be creating a developing economy energy masterplan to leapfrog the path developed economies have trodden to clean energy.  

Whenever he can, Mark plays the church organ, an enthralling instrument of keys, levers and pedals. Playing is all-consuming; his whole brain and body is at work. But the monumental sound he creates is transporting, and he finds it has a lot in common with energy modelling!