Professor Alona Armstrong, Director of Energy Lancaster and Professor of Energy and Environmental Science at Lancaster University, has been recognised in the ENDS Report Power List 2025 for her pioneering work in renewable energy and environmental sustainability. This accolade highlights her major contribution to the understanding and reduction of the environmental impacts of renewable energy technologies.

The ENDS Report Power List is an annual compilation that spotlights the UK's 100 most impactful environmental professionals across various sectors, including academia, policy, law, and consultancy. Published by the ENDS Report, a leading environmental policy and business intelligence service, the list celebrates individuals who have made the greatest impact in the past two years in shaping science and environmental issues.

Professor Armstrong said of her inclusion in the ENDS Power List: “I’m surprised and deeply honoured to be named on the ENDS Power List - especially after reading quotes from the nominations. The recognition reflects a collective effort. From farmers to policymakers, researchers to community groups, each has directed and motivated my work. We’re better together in our mission to ensure energy decarbonisation benefits both people and nature.”

Professor Armstrong's research focuses on the environmental implications of renewable energy technologies, such as ground-mounted and floating solar photovoltaics. Her work examines how these technologies affect ecosystem processes, biodiversity, and the delivery of ecosystem services. Within a Defra-funded study, she investigates net-zero land use, while an InnovateUK-supported project explores how floating solar panels can improve water quality by reducing evaporation and limiting algae growth. As understanding of the consequences for ecosystems develop, she is also building links into finance communities with the 'Nature Positive Energy' project, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and exploring policy implications.

As Director of Energy Lancaster, Professor Armstrong works with the estates team and other academics to develop Lancaster University's campus as a demonstrator for energy decarbonisation. A significant achievement in this role is the establishment of the UK's pioneering field-based agrivoltaic demonstrator at Forrest Hills, which combines solar energy production with agriculture to model multifunctional sustainable land use.

Professor Armstrong’s recognition on the ENDS Report Power List 2025 highlights how academic research and leadership can drive real-world change. As one of the nominators said, “[Professor Armstrong] works brilliantly to bridge industry and academia in a way that enhances the impact of the research and motivates everyone who works with her to just be better for the world.”

Further details on the ENDS Report Power List 2025 can be found here