Meet the people
Liz Foubister, Xodus Group
Neil Kermode, EMEC
Pete Tipler, Xodus Group and OREF
David Thomson, Orcades Marine
Bryan Rendall, Bryan J Rendall Ltd
Michael Morrison, Orkney Harbours
LIZ FOUBISTER, XODUS GROUP
My links with Orkney
Originally from Yorkshire, I came to Orkney in the early 1990s to study for an MSc in Marine Resource Management at the International Centre for Island Technology, Heriot Watt University ’s campus in Stromness. I was subsequently offered a job with the university, met and married a local man and the rest is history! I co-founded AURORA Environmental Limited, a very successful Orkney based environmental consultancy company specialising in the marine energy industry. AURORA was acquired by the Xodus Group in 2007, which maintains a strong presence in Orkney, where there is a 18 person team.
Current role
Specialist consultant with the Xodus Group. Focusing on consultancy work in the offshore renewables sector, specifically wave, tidal and offshore wind projects.
How I got involved with marine renewables
Here you’re never far from the sea – it’s what attracted me to Orkney in the first place. Back then I don’t think I quite realised what an important role the waters around Orkney would play in the evolution of marine renewables.
I’ve always worked in the marine energy sector, initially in the oil and gas industry. I was a consultant on the EIA (environmental impact assessment) for the Osprey wave energy device deployed off Dounraey in the early 1990s. My personal interests and career path have more recently become solely focused on providing consultancy services to the offshore renewables industry.
The wave and tidal sector is an exciting place to be right now, and much of this excitement is being generated here in Orkney. There are many challenges to be over come – but I’m confident that I’m in the right place to support the emergence of a fully commercial wave and tidal industry.
NEIL KERMODE, EUROPEAN MARINE ENERGY CENTRE
My links with Orkney
I first came to Orkney on a holiday as a scuba diver to dive the wrecks of Scapa Flow. During a diving trip I was struck by a phenomenon that occurs at certain stages of the tide - a big difference in sea level on the North Sea and Scapa Flow sides of the four wartime causeways known as the Churchill Barriers. I came up with an idea to use them as a major source of renewable energy if turbines were built into the causeways and I quickly discovered that this is a community keen to embrace innovative sustainable energy initiatives. When EMEC’s first managing director left to take up a new position, I was in the right place at the right time to help out on a caretaker basis. Then came the chance to take over the helm on a long term basis.
Current role
Managing director, EMEC
How I got involved with marine renewables
I trained as a civil engineer and have had a long standing interest in energy. After some years in municipal engineering that led to the Environment Agency I eventually struck out on my own and pursued the Churchill Barriers idea. This led me to Italy, where I worked with the developer of a tidal turbine that generated electricity while anchored in the Straits of Messina off Sicily. I am delighted that the same path brought me to Orkney, which has placed itself front and centre in the drive to make marine renewables work. There could be no better location for EMEC, the world’s only accredited test centre for full-scale wave and tidal energy converters. Leading developers from a host of countries are using our unrivalled facilities to test their technologies. It is a privilege to be working at the heart of this burgeoning industry and to lead the team that helps break new (sustainable) ground on a daily basis.
PETE TIPLER, XODUS GROUP and ORKNEY RENEWABLE ENERGY FORUM
My links with Orkney
My first interest in renewables was during my Earth Sciences with Geography degree at Durham University. My dissertation looked at the treatment of artificial soil produced from municipal solid waste, and the use of the soil for growing Willow. My job at the Xodus Group in Stromness brought me to Orkney.
Current role
Environmental consultant with the Xodus Group and chairman of Orkney Renewable Energy Forum (OREF). With OREF, my aim is to focus on raising the profile of renewables in Orkney - and celebrating our successes in the industry.
How I got involved with marine renewables
With the Xodus Group I provide our clients with advice and support relating to environmental issues associated with wave or tidal energy projects. The novel nature of wave and tidal technologies makes for a lot of uncertainty which means the work of a consultant is crucial. It is up to the consultants and these early developers to work with the regulatory authorities and their advisors on understanding the industry and establishing as smooth a route as possible to consenting a commercially viable project. It is an exciting challenge to find solutions that are financially and technically viable, whilst ensuring that we don’t lose sight of our responsibility to protect the environment for this and future generations.
CAPTAIN DAVID THOMSON, ORCADES MARINE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS
My links with Orkney
I came to Orkney in 2003 with my wife Tracy and two young daughters to take up the role of Marine Superintendent with the Orkney Towage Company, which operates three tugs based at Scapa. I transferred to Orkney Islands Council and became Head of Operations for the combined Marine Services Department, which brings together the Harbour Authority, Orkney Ferries and Orkney Towage.
Current role
Managing director of Orcades Marine Management Consultants Ltd. I established Orcades Marine in October 2010 in partnership with Gareth Davies of Stromness-based consultants, Aquatera. OMMC undertakes marine consultancy and marine project management with a focus on marine renewables - utilising wherever possible the wealth of local skills, experience, and resources that are available within Orkney.
How I got involved with marine renewables
I’ve been involved since the early days when EMEC was first established. Orkney Towage helped developers by providing marine support including tugs and assistance with the deployment of devices.
During my time with the Council, and now with OMMC, I’ve relished the opportunity to work alongside the rapidly expanding marine renewables industry. I get a great deal of satisfaction from utilising my maritime experience to support and assist wave and tidal developers seeking solutions to the many challenges they face.
BRYAN RENDALL, BRYAN RENDALL (ELECTRICAL) LTD
My links with Orkney
Born, bred and live here - the Rendall surname was first recorded in Orkney in 1391!
Current role
Director, Bryan J Rendall (Electrical) Ltd. A hands-on role supporting marine energy developments with HV electrical services, as well as control, instrumentation and fibre optics.
How I got involved with marine renewables
A natural progression from onshore and offshore wind energy, where much of the HV and communications infrastructures are similar. We first became involved with marine renewables in 2001 by carrying out some of the initial electrical feasibility studies for the establishment of EMEC. Since then, we have been heavily involved with both EMEC and the developers who use their facilities through construction, commissioning and operations.
MICHAEL MORRISON, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, ORKNEY HARBOURS
My links with Orkney
I was born in Stromness, went to school there and left Orkney when I was 17 and joined the British Army. I returned to Orkney in 2005 from the Far East where I was working in project management and after a short time with a local tourism organisation, I joined Loganair as the General Manager at Kirkwall Airport. Following the termination of the British Airways Franchise, I joined Orkney Islands Council Marine Services in January of 2009 as the Business Development Manager.
Current role
Business Development in my current role is particularly diverse as it encompasses cruise ships, freight vessels, marine renewables, the oil and gas industry and the business elements of port development. Additionally there are industry exhibitions and conferences to attend as a speaker, exhibitor and delegate, promotional materials and websites to produce and monitor, and business plans and strategies to compile and implement. Much of the role involves face to face meetings with key executives which in turn leads to considerable travel commitments in the UK and abroad.
How I got involved with marine renewables
It was only just after I joined Orkney Islands Council that the port development infrastructure programme in favour of marine renewables was announced. The demands of the industry and its stakeholders locally, instigated the development of the former Lyness Navel Base as a support facility for marine renewables. This initial development proved to be the catalyst for two further major infrastructure projects for marine renewables at Hatston and Stromness. It is my responsibility to ensure that Council investments in port infrastructure meet the revenue targets and so ensure further investment in the future.