Energy Debate

Energy Debate speaker profiles

James Beal, MD of Renewables East

James has headed Renewables East, the agency for renewable energy in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire since May 2004. James’s previous role of Sustainable Development Manager with Yorkshire Forward and interim CEO of Future Energy Company, included bringing forward low carbon solutions within the regional economy, representing the region’s energy interest at a national and international level, and raising awareness of sustainable development and carbon related issues. Prior to this, James worked as Sustainable Development Analyst, Planning Strategy Team (2001-2002) and Environment Assessment Officer (1999-2001) for Warwickshire County Council.

He is also director of Kirklees Energy Centre, an independent energy efficiency advice centre for Calderdale and Kirklees, West Yorkshire. James was born in Comberton, a large village situated five miles west of Cambridge. He graduated from University of Durham in 1995 with a BSc(hons) Environmental Management. After completing a Masters of Research Built Environment at the University of Leeds in 1996, he spent two years researching sustainable building at the Building Research Centre, University of Salford.

Brian Dowds, British Energy

Brian joined British Energy as Plant Manager in 2005 from Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in South Africa. He has a wealth of experience of pressurised water reactors (PWR) including seven years as Plant Manager as well as being Manager of Operations, Maintenance and Engineering disciplines. He was appointed Station Director of Sizewell B Nuclear Power Station in November 2006. Brian is a dual national, holding both British and South African Passports. Having graduated from Strathclyde University, Glasgow where he studied Electrical & Electronic Engineering, he has since gained a Management Diploma from UNISA, the Open University equivalent in South Africa. Brian is married with a son and includes as his hobbies golf and shopping with his wife!

Chris Hill, UK Offshore Development Manager, Airtricity

Airtricity is a world leading renewable energy company who’s core business is the development of wind energy projects. Chris was the Project Manager for the development of the Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm project; a 500MW, 140 turbine wind farm which is going to be built off the coast of Suffolk and connected into the electricity grid at Sizewell. Prior to that he worked in the development of wind farm projects in Ireland. Airtricity continues to explore the potential for the development of new offshore wind farm sites off the Suffolk coast.

Ian Taylor, General Manager, SLP Energy

Ian Taylor is responsible for SLP’s renewable business. In addition to setting the company strategy and targets, he is also responsible for leading all commercial activities and other business development activities. This includes overseeing and advising on bid submission and ultimately the execution of works supplied by SLP through EPC contracts. Underpinning this role is six years Combined Heat and Power and Renewable commercial management and business development experience whilst working for Powergen/TXU. As well as this, Ian has ten years mechanical engineering design and project management experience with two gas turbine manufacturing companies, Alstom and Rolls-Royce. Ian lives with his wife Jac and his three children in Ipswich.