Meet Our Team
District Energy was founded by renewable energy veterans with over 40 years of combined experience in project development, financing, and grid integration. Our mission is to accelerate the UK's transition to clean energy by delivering private wire solutions that reduce costs, increase reliability, and support decarbonization goals for energy-intensive industries.
Leadership
Our founders bring deep expertise in renewable energy development, grid infrastructure, and industrial energy management.
Chris Chapman
Co-Founder
UK Real Estate Entrepreneur | £2B+ Property Projects
Chris is a UK real estate entrepreneur and dealmaker with a proven track record across over £2 billion worth of property projects. Specialising in land acquisition, planning strategy and structured funding, Chris has negotiated major transactions with PLC developers, institutions, and private landowners, often unlocking complex sites through a combination of commercial insight and persistence. He has worked closely with senior figures in local authorities, planning departments, and consultancy firms, building the relationships and expertise required to deliver high-value planning outcomes. Known for his ability to structure deals, raise capital, and move quickly on opportunities, Chris operates at the intersection of real estate, planning, and investment, turning strategic land into long-term value.
James Wood
Co-Founder
Renewable Energy Specialist | 5+ Years Scaling Energy Ventures
With nearly five years scaling sustainable energy ventures, James Wood brings deep operational and technical expertise to District Energy. Leading a renewable energy consultancy, he engineered automated systems that increased operational efficiency by 60%, built strategic partnerships with high-value energy clients, and implemented process automation that transformed supply chain management. At District Energy, James uses AI to accelerate deal origination and execution. Intelligent land identification algorithms, automated offtaker matching systems, and data-driven feasibility analysis compress months of research into days, turning data into deployment speed and competitive advantage.
Partnerships
We work with leading industry partners across planning, engineering, and construction to deliver exceptional project outcomes.
Planning
Iceni Projects
Leading planning consultancy with expertise in renewable energy project approvals and strategic land development across the UK.
EPC
Multiple Preferred Partners
We have established relationships with multiple preferred EPC contractors who we have worked with on previous projects, ensuring quality delivery and competitive pricing.
Ready to Work Together?
Let's discuss how our team can help deliver your private wire project. From initial feasibility through to operational handover, we're here to support your energy transition.