Richard Smith
Senior Policy Advisor
Richard is a Senior Policy Advisor in the Energy Transition team, working at the intersection of energy security, geopolitics and the clean energy transition.
Richard in the media
His work focuses on how the EU can use diplomacy to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuel dependence, strengthen resilience, and shape global energy pathways. He also focuses on how diplomacy can support key domestic EU priorities, including energy security and the global competitiveness of European businesses.
He specialises in engaging on key EU partner regions, including the Mediterranean, India, and major Asian gas importers. His work also explores how EU external action fits within the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, including growing competition over investment and influence in the energy transition.
Richard joined E3G in January 2024, coming from almost 6 years as a UK diplomat at FCDO in London and on a posting to Brussels. His role at E3G continues his lifelong passion for tackling climate change, including his completion of a PhD in climate science at the University of Southampton in 2017. He also holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge.
Originally from the UK but based in Brussels since 2019, Richard loves to travel and discover new places.
His work focuses on how the EU can use diplomacy to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuel dependence, strengthen resilience, and shape global energy pathways. He also focuses on how diplomacy can support key domestic EU priorities, including energy security and the global competitiveness of European businesses.
He specialises in engaging on key EU partner regions, including the Mediterranean, India, and major Asian gas importers. His work also explores how EU external action fits within the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, including growing competition over investment and influence in the energy transition.
Richard joined E3G in January 2024, coming from almost 6 years as a UK diplomat at FCDO in London and on a posting to Brussels. His role at E3G continues his lifelong passion for tackling climate change, including his completion of a PhD in climate science at the University of Southampton in 2017. He also holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge.
Originally from the UK but based in Brussels since 2019, Richard loves to travel and discover new places.
