Energy transition seminar: An intro to offshore wind Speakers
Dr. Taimoor Asim
Senior Lecturer - Mechanical Engineering at School of Engineering, Robert Gordon University
Dr. Taimoor Asim is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at RGU with expertise in numerical modelling of complex fluid handling systems. Dr Asim has carried out extensive research in aerodynamic characterization, flow diagnostics, design optimisation and wake dynamics of wind turbines. Dr Asim has worked collaboratively with a number of industrial partners on the analytical and empirical modelling of wind turbines (both wind tunnel based and field testing), their design optimisation, analytical modelling of ice accretion and sand erosion of blades. More recently, Dr Asim has used advanced mathematical tools like Proper Orthogonal Decomposition for pattern recognition in wind turbine wakes, leading to Reduced Order Modelling and Machine Learning, and non-linear start-up dynamics of turbine rotors. Dr Asim teaches renewable energy systems module at RGU and has published more than 40 research articles in international journals such as Energy, Energy Conversion and Management etc. Dr Asim is currently guest editing the special issue titled Advancement in Wind Turbine Technology for the Energies journal. Dr Asim is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has keen interest in Thermofluids and Computational Fluid Dynamics.
Andrew McCallum
Founder and CEO, Aspect
Andrew is an experienced corporate affairs professional who founded Aspect in 2015 following a 15-year career in the private sector. A trusted advisor to chief executives, he has been a C-suite executive in the energy, utilities, transport and infrastructure sectors, working in listed companies, private equity and government to deliver significant transformations.
Aspect’s 40-strong team provides expert strategic communicaiton advice to clients internationally in sectors from energy, technology and infrastructure to private equity, government and academia. Thriving in complex, issue-rich environments, Aspect helps clients communicate with purpose and precision; engage, influence and inspire; change, lead and succeed. Strategic communication creating strategic advantage.
Thomas Docherty
Head of Strategic Engagement, The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB)
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) is the employer-led skills, standards and qualifications body for the development of the engineering construction workforce of Great Britain. An arms-length body of the UK Government, the ECITB reports to the Department for Education.
As Head of Strategic Engagement for the ECITB, Thomas leads on all engagement with the Scottish Government and its agencies, as well as engaging with major engineering companies, training providers and other organisations to ensure Scotland has workers with the skills to meet the needs of the engineering construction industry, including in offshore renewables.
Neil Douglas
Director, BVG Associates Ltd
Neil has worked in the wind energy industry since 1994. He joined the management team of BVG Associates as a Director in 2017 and heads up our business in Scotland.
Much of the work that Neil leads within BVG Associates is focussed on the globalisation of offshore wind and on providing strategic advice to governments, developers, investors and supply chain businesses.He has deep expertise in the development and operational management of onshore and offshore wind farms, including asset management, resource assessment, performance engineering, technical due diligence and risk analysis, and has led the development and commercialisation of tools and products to improve the design and operation of wind farms.
An engineer by background, Neil holds a Masters in Energy Systems and the Environment from the University of Strathclyde.
Mamdud Hossain
Professor of Future Energy at School of Engineering, Robert Gordon University
Mamdud Hossain, SFHEA, CEng, IMechE is a Professor of Future Energy Technology at Robert Gordon University. His research interests include applying computational modelling techniques to solve some of the most challenging and interesting problems related to wind energy, hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyser. He has secured funding to explore complex flows relevant to Wind Energy and Hydrogen from EPSRC, Oil and Gas Technology Centre (OGIC), net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), Scottish Funding Council, Innovate UK and the Carnegie Trust. He has supervised 15 PhD students to completion and two postdoctoral researchers. He has published 28 journal articles, 32 conference articles and 5 book chapters. He is a Science Board member of EPSRC Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Supergen Hub, a member of EPSRC Reviewer College and an Academic Adviser to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and a member of board of directors of Energy Technology Partnership.
Hannah Lawson
Business Development Specialist, Worley
I have always had a keen interest in the environment and sustainability. However, growing up in Aberdeen, I could see how integral the oil and gas industry was to the local economy. Together, these two issues drove my desire to be part of the energy transition. We need cleaner, more sustainable energy but, it must also remain affordable. We must transition our industry to more renewable resources but, it must be a fair and just transition for those who work in the sector. During my time at Worley, I have had the opportunity to create and develop the UK sustainability delivery tactics outlining how we can turn our strategic sustainability ambitions into reality whilst personally continuing to advocate for a just transition.
Andrew McCallum
Founder and CEO, Aspect: The Strategic Communication Experts
Andrew is an experienced corporate affairs professional who founded Aspect in 2015 following a 15-year career in the private sector. A trusted advisor to chief executives, he has been a C-suite executive in the energy, utilities, transport and infrastructure sectors, working in listed companies, private equity and government to deliver significant transformations.
Aspect’s 40-strong team provides expert strategic communication advice to clients internationally in sectors from energy, technology and infrastructure to private equity, government and academia. Thriving in complex, issue-rich environments, Aspect helps clients communicate with purpose and precision; engage, influence and inspire; change, lead and succeed. Strategic communication creating strategic advantage.
Isla Robb
Director, EC20 Limited
Having worked in the offshore wind sector for over 10 years, Isla has an in-depth knowledge of the offshore wind supply chain. With experience across the public and private sector, both nationally and internationally. She understands the challenges that face those involved in the sector, looking to get into the sector and those trying to shape it to the benefit of all.
An accomplished and results-oriented professional with extensive experience managing and leading business operations, energy/infrastructure projects. Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing effective strategies that streamline operational activities and achieve organisational goals. Adept at building relations with key stakeholders and suppliers.
Iain Sinclair
Director of Renewables & Energy Transition, Global Energy Group
Iain is Executive Director at Global Energy Group, leading the development and implementation of capital investment projects for floating offshore wind, marine, hydrogen and storage projects at GEG’s Port of Nigg. Iain has over 20 years’ renewables experience in heavy engineering, lean manufacturing, supply chain innovation and logistics, delivering integrated solutions to the UK’s largest and most challenging offshore wind and marine energy projects. Iain sits on the Scottish Government’s, Renewables Strategic Leadership Group and SOWEC’s, Supply Chain Working Group and is a Board Director at Scottish Renewables.
