Wave and tidal - Biographies

Dr Bob Allwood - Chief Executive - Society for Underwater Technology

Dr Bob Allwood graduated from the University of Reading with a first class honours degree in Physics and obtained his PhD in lasers and optics research from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. After working in the field of physics research for some five years at Heriot-Watt and in industry, he then turned his attention to the problems of working underwater. Over the coming years he was to work the University’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering on ROV development and then as Manager of Engineering in the University’s Institute of Offshore Engineering. He moved to Cranfield University in 1986 as Senior Lecturer in Underwater Technology and later was to become their Director of Offshore Technology where he developed a successful masters course in Offshore and Ocean Technology that was to include an option in offshore renewable energy. In December 2009 Bob was appointed Chief Executive of the Society for Underwater Technology.

Stein A. Andersen - Managing Director - Hammerfest Strøm

Sue Barr - Environmental & External Affairs Manager - OpenHydro

Since 2007, Sue has undertaken a number of key roles in managing OpenHydro’s projects and has continued to be OpenHydro’s representative both externally, as well as directly with clients and joint-venture parties on securing consent and project development. She plays a key role in contributing to and driving industry policy and decision making in the marine area, in Ireland and internationally.

Sue has extensive experience in the marine industry. Having previously held a leading role in the UK Government on the licensing and regulation of offshore wind developments in UK waters and latterly in policy and planning which supported the development of wave and tidal licensing regimes and the UK Marine Bill.

Sue represents the marine renewable industry on several national level bodies with her key expertise residing in project development, EIA and consenting of marine renewable projects.

Charlie Blair - Technology Accelerator Manager, Marine - The Carbon Trust

Charlie is a Technology Acceleration Manager at the Carbon Trust, working primarily on marine renewable energy – wave and tidal stream. He is involved in all Carbon Trust activity in the sector, including the Marine Energy Accelerator and Marine Renewables Proving Fund, which provide direct support to technical projects, and manages technical studies funded by the Carbon Trust and partners. Charlie is also involved in a number of high-level marine industry groups chaired by DECC, Renewables UK and other UK innovation bodies.

Before joining the Carbon Trust in 2010 Charlie worked as a strategic energy consultant specialising in emerging technologies, both as an independent and for Delta Energy & Environment in Edinburgh. He has experience analysing markets and business plans for a number of emerging energy technologies other than marine, particularly distributed generation and electricity storage.

Charlie has a first class Geography Degree from Durham and an MSc in Environmental Technology (Energy Policy) from Imperial College London.

Martin G. Brown - Consultant Naval Architect - GL Noble Denton

Martin Brown is a Chartered Naval Architect/Project Manager with 20 years experience of floating production systems (both mono hull and semi subs) plus heavy lift installation/removal engineering. Martin was the initiator and Project Manager for two major international Joint Industry Project (JIPs) on "Floating Production Mooring Integrity". Martin has worked with a number of Operators on complicated in field mooring system repair operations and regularly provides consultancy advice on mooring integrity questions. Previous to Noble Denton Martin has worked for McDermott Marine Construction, Saipem and Micoperi.

Martin has been involved in OTEC research since discovering the subject during a BSc dissertation. OTEC was then the subject of his MSc and MBA dissertations and this has been followed by a number of technical and economic papers on this subject. He believes that there is a great opportunity to transfer oil and gas floating production technology to OTEC.

Morven Cameron - Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Morven Cameron is Head of Academic Relationships at Highlands & Islands Enterprise, following 20 years working within local economic development and the skills sector in the west coast of Scotland. Her current role focuses on growing the university sector in the region, working closely with its new regional university - University of the Highlands & Islands - as well as with 8 other academic institutes currently with a footprint in the region, and seeks to support wider collaborations across Scotland and further afield. The growth of research expertise in the Highlands & Islands is vital to underpin its growing key sectors, with a major focus on marine renewables. She has been working with academic contacts to develop a strong collaborative grouping in this sector to help accelerate the best possible economic outcome of the region's coastal resources.

João Cardoso - CEO - Enondas

Jo ão graduated in Oceanographic and Meteorological sciences in the Portuguese Naval Academy and he is a specialist in Naval Weapon systems.

He is also an expert in intelligence operations as well as in naval, amphibious and psychological information. He has served in corvettes and frigates with the Portuguese Navy and has spent more than 15,000 hours at sea, having participated in Fishing control missions, SAR and Naval operations. He also contributed as a staff officer in chief staff meetings for the Ministry of Defense.

After leaving the navy (in 2005) he worked as sales director of an engineering company in the oil sector. João Freire Cardoso was collaborating with the Martifer Group since January of 2008. In Martifer he has been making the bridge with government agencies, in the offshore project licensing and as consultant in ocean field operations and projects.

In October 2010 he became the CEO of Enondas, Energia das Ondas S.A. (new company from the REN's Group). As a hobby he is a skipper - from a tender age!

Gareth Davies - Managing Director - Aquatera

Gareth Davies, is the Managing Director of Aquatera, based in Stromness, Orkney. He has worked as an environmental consultant for over 20 years. He trained initially as a marine biologist, completing a PhD in Deep Sea Biology. He has since completed over 350 projects covering a wide range of environmental and operational topics. Renowned for innovative thinking, unbounded enthusiasm and commitment to finding solutions, Gareth has worked in many areas of the world including Sakhalin, Caspian Sea, Mediterranean Sea, South America and many island groups.

Phil Gilmour - Head, Marine Renewables and Offshore Wind Team - Marine Scotland

Phil Gilmour heads up the Marine Renewables and Offshore Wind Team within Marine Scotland’s Policy and Planning Division. He has worked with colleagues in Scottish Government to deliver an Offshore Wind Energy Sectoral Marine Plan and will work with colleagues to deliver a sectoral Marine Plan for Marine Renewables. Other projects he has been involved with include The Saltire Prize Scoping Study and Regional Locational Guidance, the Marine Renewables Licensing Manual and the Survey, Deploy and Monitor Policy.

Dr Ross Halliday - Marine Resource Engineer - Natural Power Consultants

Dr Halliday is a graduate of the University of Glasgow with a first class honours degree in Electronic Engineering and a Doctorate in Marine Renewable Energy. Over the past five years he has been working within the wave and tidal industry as a Marine Resource Engineering focusing on the modelling and prediction of wave and tidal energy yields and the design of marine renewable projects. Within Natural Power Ross leads on wider marine energy themes developing its integration into our existing development, construction and asset management businesses. Outside of Natural Power Ross is involved in the Scottish Renewables Marine group seeking to steer policy development towards a favourable environment for the expansion of marine renewables in the Scottish and UK markets.

Ian Johnstone - Chair of Economic Development - Orkney Islands Council

I was born in Stromness in 1961. I attended both primary and secondary school in Stromness and then studied agriculture in Aberdeen. After roughly 10 years away on farms I returned to Orkney in 1989 and have lived in Stromness ever since. I started work in Orkney in the Dept of Agriculture and then became director of the Orkney Coal Company which was sold in 2008.

I was a member of Stromness Community Council for 6 years, the last three as chairman, and then entered the OIC as a Councillor in 2003. I take a keen interest and enjoyment in local issues and politics and want to see Orkney continue to prosper. I was the Vice Chairman of the Development committee 2003 and 2006 and I am now Chairman of the Development Regeneration committee.

Outside interests: I am a keen swimmer, sailor and cyclist and because I do the occasional triathlon I also run a bit.

Neil Kermode - Managing Director - European Marine Energy Centre, Orkney

Neil was appointed in 2005 as Managing Director of the European Marine Energy Centre in Stromness, Orkney. He has overseen the contractual filling of the test berths and is now overseeing the physical installation of the 3rd wave and 3rd tidal devices at the site. In addition the staffing and facilities at EMEC are being enhanced to meet the continuously developing needs of the developers coming to the sites.

Before EMEC Neil worked as a project developer of a tidal scheme in Orkney following 6 years at the Environment Agency dealing with regulation and development issues, particularly relating to public participation in decisions on flooding, waste and water resources. He was a keen scuba diver is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Environmentalist.

Eileen Linklater - Client Relationship & Marketing Manager - EMEC

Eileen joined EMEC in August 2009 and has responsibility for monitoring and managing contracts with developers. She is the first point of contact for prospective clients and works with them from initial contact through to arrival on site. An important part of that process is ensuring Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental standards are met.

Eileen is also responsible for maintaining communications, and seeking feedback from stakeholders and local community engagement. This includes marketing EMEC’s services, as well as handling all public relations, media enquiries, and visits since EMEC has become a focal point for the emerging marine renewables industry.

Prior to joining EMEC, Eileen studied Law and worked for Glasgow Graduate Law School as a research assistant and tutor. She also spent 5 years working for Orkney Islands Council as a Policy Advisor.

Eileen is particularly keen on promoting the role of marine renewable energy in creating sustainable communities. Born and bred in Orkney, she recognises the abundance of marine energy available for harvesting, and is confident that marine renewables will be the latest in a long line of pioneering industries to emerge from the Northern Isles.

Martin McAdam - Chief Executive Officer - Aquamarine Power

Martin McAdam joined Aquamarine Power as Chief Executive Officer in August 2008, bringing with him nearly ten years experience in the renewables industry. Martin joined Aquamarine Power from major renewable energy developer Airtricity. Martin was the founder and CEO of Airtricity’s North American operations and managed the sale of the company to E.On for £0.75bn in 2007. A highly experienced business leader, Martin previously held a number of technical and management roles in the utility sector. Martin completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School in 2004 and holds a BE (Hons.) in Chemical Engineering from University College Dublin. Martin is a Chartered Engineer, a Member of the Institute of Engineers of Ireland, a Fellow of Engineers Ireland and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce. Martin also sits on the council of CBI Scotland.

Michael Morrison - Business Development Manager - Orkney Marine Services

Michael is the first Business Development Manager to be appointed to the Marine Services Division. He joined the Service in January of 2009 having previously been the General Manager for Loganair at Kirkwall Airport.

An Orcadian by birth, Michael spent 13 years in the British Army and then worked residential property in England and Scotland before spending 11 years in the Far East in Business Development and Project Management.

Michael is responsible to the Director of Harbours for revenue generation and market awareness for all facets of the Ports Estates, Inter Island Ferry and Towage Services.

Alan Mortimer - Head of Renewables Policy - ScottishPower Renewable Energy Ltd

Alan Mortimer graduated from Glasgow University in 1987 with an Honours degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He then joined James Howden & Co. Ltd. in Glasgow, working on a variety of products from tunnelling machines to industrial fans to wind turbines. In 1991 Alan joined ScottishPower, working initially as an engineer, then moving into renewables development. During this period the company has expanded to become the leading player in the UK wind market with 20 windfarms totalling over 800MW, including Europe’s largest windfarm at Whitelee (322MW). In his current role as Head of Renewables Policy he has responsibility for policy and strategic issues related to the company’s growth ambitions. This includes developments in the new wave and tidal sectors including pioneering projects at EMEC and Islay.

Dr Michael Ottaviano - Managing Director & CEO - Carnegie Wave Energy Ltd

Michael is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Australian listed wave energy developer Carnegie Wave Energy Limited. Carnegie has developed its CETO Wave Energy technology from Proof of Concept, through a Pilot Plant phase and into the Commercial Demonstration stage.

As CEO, Michael has raised over $30 million in equity, overseen an increase in market capitalisation and secured Government funding support for Carnegie’s Wave Technology of $20 million from Australian, Canadian and French governments.

Michael has a Bachelor of Engineering, a Master’s of Science and a Doctorate in Business Administration.

Sheila Paterson - Special Projects Executive (Renewable Energy) – Nova Scotia Department of Energy

Sheila is in the Business and Technology Division at the Nova Scotia Department of Energy, responsible for advancing the interests of the province with respect to energy to achieve optimum economic, social, and environmental value from the sector. The province of Nova Scotia, Canada, has put in place targets to aggressively increase the use of clean and renewable energy – to 40% of its electricity mix by 2020. With an educated workforce, a strong supply chain, and abundant natural resources including an enviable wind regime and the highest tides in the world at the Bay of Fundy this goal is well within reach. In her role, Sheila builds relationships with project developers, researchers, the supply community and governments with an eye to facilitating renewable energy development both locally and internationally. She graduated from Dalhousie University with degrees in Chemical Engineering and in Science. Prior to joining government three years ago, Sheila held roles in high tech electronics manufacturing process engineering, product design and development, and in continuous improvement engineering.

Neal Rafferty - Head, Offshore Renewables Policy Team - Scottish Government

Neal Rafferty is the acting head of the Scottish Government’s offshore renewables policy team. Neal joined the energy policy area in 1999, and has been involved in a number of important pieces of work during that time, such as the introduction of the Renewables Obligation to Scotland and its many subsequent changes (including the enhanced support levels for marine renewables in Scotland). He has also helped oversee the introduction of grant support mechanisms for wave and tidal technologies, such as the successful WATES scheme.

Andrew Scott – Senior Project Development Manager - Pelamis Wave Power

Andrew joined PWP eight years ago and has been responsible for project development work in the UK and overseas, and for support of wider business and industry development and was involved in the Pelamis prototype programme at EMEC in 2004. Andrew now manages activities within the Project Development Department at Pelamis, which has a portfolio of projects it both leads in the development of and supports clients with, which covers all elements of development work, resource assessment, EIA, grid connection and site engineering in parallel with consultation and working with regulators and the wider industry and governments. Andrew graduated from Strathclyde University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and completed a post graduate degree in energy at Heriot Watt University prior to joining PWP.

Professor John Sharp - Cranfield University

John Sharp is a Visiting Professor at Cranfield University, involved in both lecturing and teaching on marine renewables. He has over 30 years experience in the offshore oil and gas industry, initially working for the UK Department of Energy and subsequently in the Offshore Safety Division of the UK Health & Safety Executive and more recently as a consultant. He has published over 100 papers in the field on both offshore oil and gas technology and marine renewables.

He is a member of the BSI Committee preparing standards for wave and tidal devices, and led the development of the guidelines on reliability, maintainability and survivability of marine energy conversion systems. He is also a Commissioner for the Alderney Commission on Renewable Energy.

Chas Spradbery - Renewables Business Manager - J P Kenny

Chas Spradbery is the Renewables Business Manager for J P Kenny, the World’s largest independent subsea engineering and project management contractor. Chas is a Mechanical Engineer by training with a Ph.D. in Materials Science. He has spent the majority of his career working as a subsea engineer in the oil and gas sector where he achieved a number of world firsts including the worlds deepest trunkline which was designed for depths of just over 3000m. For the past four years he has worked exclusively in the Offshore Renewable Energy sector where amongst other things he was responsible for the design and development of Wave Hub. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineers.

Professor A R Wallace - Dean International, College of Science and Engineering Institute for Energy Systems, School of Engineering - The University of Edinburgh

Robin Wallace graduated B.Sc. in 1976 and Ph.D. in 1990 at the University of Edinburgh. Between these times he worked for Parsons Peebles Motors and Generators project-engineering turnkey power generation systems around the world. He holds a personal chair in Renewable Energy Systems and is Dean International in the College of Science and Engineering. He is Executive Director of the EPSRC SuperGen Marine Energy Research Consortium and a Co-Director of the Scottish Energy Technologies Partnership. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and The Institution of Engineering and Technology and is a Chartered Electrical Engineer.

Dr Ben Wilson - SAMS

Dr Ben Wilson is a Senior Lecturer at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (Oban). He has worked for two decades on the foraging behaviour, ecology and conservation of cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises & whales) and pinnipeds (sea lions) and fish (herring) in Scotland and North America. His current research is on the interactions between marine vertebrates and wave and tidal-stream devices especially collision risks, acoustic detection and mitigation options. He also leads the Institute's Marine Renewables team providing research and consultancy on environmental interactions of marine renewables and mass-algal culture for biofuels.

Oliver Wragg - Wave and Tidal Development Manager - RenewableUK

Oliver Wragg is the Wave and Tidal Development Manager at RenewableUK, the UK’s leading renewable energy business organisation, where he is responsible for co-ordinating the representation of the UK Wave and Tidal industry to the British public, national media, and the UK Government.

Renewable UK is the trade body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. With over 580 corporate members, RenewableUK represents a diverse mix of developers, utilities, manufacturers, support industry and advisers. Prior to March 2010 RenewableUK was known as BWEA. The rebranding of the organisation followed their diversification into wave and tidal energy in 2004. BWEA was formed in 1978.

With an MSc in Environmental Science from Trinity College Dublin, Oliver started his career as an environmental scientist coordinating EIAs. Moving to the Marine Institute he undertook numerous fisheries surveys and contributed to ICES work streams. Oliver currently sits on the EU-OEA board of directors and as secretariat to the RenewableUK Marine Strategy group he helps coordinate technical, policy, and communication issues within industry.

Martin Wright – Managing Director - Marine Current Turbines Limited

Martin is one of the founders of Marine Current Turbines Limited and joined the company full-time in February 2002. He has an M.A. (Hons) in Economics form Edinburgh, and an M.Eng in Petroleum Engineering form Heriot-Watt. He started his career as a Seaman Officer in the Royal Navy where he completed a short service commission serving in a variety of ships culminating an appointment as Executive Officer of a Minehunter. Prior to joining MCT he worked for nine years as a Venture Capitalist with Murray Johnstone Limited, and then latterly with Northern Venture Managers Limited where he was responsible for starting and developing NVM’s business in the South of England.

Martin has corporate finance skills and commercial experience spanning a wide breath of industries developed whilst working as a venture capitalist, and as a director of investee companies. In particular he is very familiar with the issues involved in early stage technology companies. Renewable Energy had been a particular interest for a number of years prior to becoming involved with Marine Current Turbines. The technology, environment and stage of the company represented a natural fit for his background and experience.

Johanna Yates - Offshore Policy Manager, Scottish Renewables

Johanna is the offshore policy manager at Scottish Renewables, the representative voice of Scotland’s renewable energy industry with over 300 members, Johanna has responsibility for offshore wind, wave and tidal policy areas, delivering the organisation’s key task of influencing the legislative, regulatory and financial framework to provide the best possible conditions for the growth of these industries. Johanna’s work at Scottish Renewables has involved key projects such as the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, Scottish Renewables’ Offshore Manifestos and the Marine Act’s secondary legislation including the National Marine Plan and Marine Protected Areas. Johanna also represents the industry in a number of stakeholder groups.

Johanna was worked for Scottish Renewables since April 2009, starting as a Trainee Development Officer focusing on hydropower. In January 2010 Johanna was promoted to her current role, taking on the additional responsibility for marine renewables, and subsequently offshore wind in autumn 2010. Prior to working at Scottish Renewables Johanna graduated with distinction from her MSc in Energy Futures (Renewables) at Aberdeen University. During the MSc she completed her dissertation at Aberdeenshire Council on micro-hydro.

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