Expert Panel Debate:

Panel Profiles

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Copyright 2008 County Durham Development Company
Context:
This is the fourth session of a quarterly series of debates that NETPark organises around
different technology themes. Senior people from around the region are brought together to
discuss the technology theme – the debate is then converted into a three page article for
NETWorks magazine, and an edited transcript will be made available online.

Refreshments:
Tea, coffee and water will be available throughout and a light buffet will be served afterwards
for the panel and the attendees.

Panel Profiles:
Andrew Mill, CEO, NaREC
Andrew has been involved in energy for most of his career and brings to NaREC a wide
knowledge of and experience of the industry. After graduating from the University of
Strathclyde in Electrical Engineering and Electronic Science he worked for NEI Peebles, part
of the Rolls Royce group where he was Director and General Manager of the projects
division. He has also worked in senior roles with British Energy, Aggreko as well as Vianet.
His last post saw him take responsibility for the strategic development of the European Marine
Energy Centre in Orkney where he was Managing Director.

John Barton, Director, Renew, Centre for Process Innovation

Renew is a new organisation to work in partnership to help put the whole of the North East of
England at the forefront of the UK’s low carbon energy industry. Working with businesses,
communities, funders, regulators, technology suppliers and others, RENEW helps exciting
low carbon energy projects get off the ground and advise organisations on how to exploit the
commercial opportunities of low carbon. John is a chemical engineer with 11 years in the
process industry, 20 years in energy services (Dalkia and Elyo) and, most recently, 2 years
with the Carbon Trust.

Lynn Miles, Chief Executive Officer, Romag Holdings

Romag, based in Leadgate, Consett, is a manufacturer of laminated glass products for the
architectural and security markets.  Romag invested in new technology and equipment in
2003 to manufacture Building Integrated Photovoltaic glass to generate electricity.  Lyn, a
Chartered Company Secretary, joined Romag in 1982,   became Chief Executive in 2000 and
was instrumental in the company’s decision to invest in the renewable energy sector. 
Romag’s Solar BIPV is sold worldwide and now represents 70% of the company’s sales,
some £23.5m.

Professor Dermot Roddy, Science City Professor of Energy, Newcastle University

Dermot Roddy joined Newcastle University as Science City Professor of Energy in 2008 after
a period of some 20 years in the energy industry and petrochemical sectors.  He is also
Director of the Sir Joseph Swan Institute for Energy Research, which integrates energy
research across Newcastle University and links with a powerful external industrial base in the
energy sector.  Outside of the university he is Chairman of North East Biofuels, Finance
Director of the UK Hydrogen Association and Vice President of the Northern England
Electricity Supply Companies Association.  Prior to coming to Newcastle University he was
Chief Executive of Renew Tees Valley Ltd – a company which he set up in 2003 to create a
viable and vibrant economy in the Tees Valley based on renewable energy and recycling –
where he was instrumental in a wide range of major renewable energy and low-carbon
projects relating to biomass, biofuels, hydrogen, carbon capture & storage, wind and

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Copyright 2008 County Durham Development Company
advanced waste processing technologies.  From 1998 to 2002 he ran the crude oil refinery on
Teesside as site director for a $5 bn-turnover facility before moving to the Netherlands to work
on Petroplus’ international growth plans. Dermot’s experience in the petrochemical industry
began in 1985, involving a variety of UK and international roles in operations, engineering and
technology with ICI and others. Prior to that he developed leading-edge technology at
Queen’s University, Belfast, for optimisation and control in aerospace applications.  

Professor David Wood, School of Engineering, Durham University

Professor David Wood has over 30 years experience in semiconductor materials, devices and
technology with over 110 publications. His recent work has focused on Microsystems, with
numerous research grants and awards from EPSRC, the regional development agency and
industry. A clean room funded by the Royal Society and the Wolfson Foundation was opened
in 2004, and there will be a further expansion of this facility in 2009. Recent work includes a
liquid density sensor based on SAW techniques, a monolithic probe card for testing integrated
circuits, a microgripper for cell manipulation, a probe for two-dimensional measurement of air
flow, terahertz frequency devices and an RF MEMS varactor with world leading performance.
The current portfolio of research includes an investigation into photovoltaics using organic,
flexible materials, and the adaptation of these to energy recovery systems.

About NETWorks magazine:

NETWorks is the only title that showcases the scientific and technological excellence of the
North East region to key influencers and decision makers in both public and private sectors,
not just in the North East but nationally and internationally. The mailing list includes KTNs,
Research Councils, British Ambassadors and government ministers. Each issue has a focus
around a different technology and the features and interviews follow a structure from
fundamental research to successful commercialisation:
■ Cutting edge research from the region’s universities
■ Support from the commercialisation framework
■ Case studies and success stories from companies in the region

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Copyright 2008 County Durham Development Company