HIRAETH ENERGY - Key Persons
David is an expert on digital strategy and renewable energy, having developed both sets of skills in parallel through a successful career which took him from Spain to Denmark, and from the south-west of England to the north-east.
His previous role was as Director of the trade body for renewable energy in Wales, RenewableUK Cymru.
He is a past Trustee of the Institute of Welsh Affairs, a current Board member for an onshore wind co-operative; sits on the Welsh Government's ‘Diversity in STEM' Board, and is Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales. He has a PhD in Applied Physics. He is a fluent Welsh speaker, and lives in Cardiff.
Renowned for innovative thinking, enthusiasm and commitment to finding solutions, Gareth has worked as an environmental and development consultant for over 20 years, developing Aquatera into a highly respected award-winning consultancy supporting projects across the world. He has particular experience in site selection, environmental impact assessment (EIA), quantitative risk assessment, environmental surveys, and stakeholder consultation for the renewable energy sector.
John brings 20 years' experience in developing renewable energy projects and technologies. He was a former Chief Operating Officer of DP Energy, where he managed a team of development professionals covering renewable energy projects in Ireland, the UK, Australia and Canada. Prior to this he was Head of Marine Development at energy utility SSE.
John is a chartered power engineer, holding an MSc in Power Engineering and Management. He has a strong track record in securing business to business sales and developing commercial partnerships. When not working on the Hiraeth projects, John is leading on the exploitation activities for the ReFLEX project, a pioneering smart local energy system, in Orkney. He has company board level experience, with a strong desire to see excellent governance and integrity. He is passionate about tackling climate change, solving energy related problems and developing practical solutions.
Experienced renewable energy developer with 15 years experience in offshore development, including successfully securing portfolio of tidal energy projects in competitive TCE leasing round for Siemens. Joseph is Vice-Chair of Marine Energy Wales, and has been involved in the majority of offshore renewables development in Welsh waters to date. Recently involved in constraints mapping for offshore renewables in Welsh waters for Welsh Government, and UK market assessment for floating wind development in UK. Joseph is based in Swansea.
Niamh is a leading renewable energy expert having worked for independent developer DP Energy for 8 years. Involvement in all elements of project development including greenfield development, project acquisition, joint ventures, conflict resolution, contract negotiations, leading financial close and asset operation. Recently led the negotiation team to partner with European utility for the development of offshore wind in Ireland. Niamh also negotiated the sale of major projects including the Port Augusta Renewable Energy Project to Iberdrola in 2019.
Peter brings an extensive set of skills in governance, business development and entrepreneurship.
Previously a senior executive in the telecommunications industry, he is now an Associate of the Institute of Environmental Managers and Assessors, and dedicated to helping organisations implement sustainability, and is a mentor for start-ups in Wales, as well as Chairing the Cardiff and Vale Citizens Advice Bureau.
Job Titles:
- Technology and Supply Chain Expert
Sean is a technology and supply chain expert with more than 10 years experience in offshore renewables. Responsible for interface management during development and consent for Navitus Bay and during FID and construction for Rampion. Ports and logistics package manager for both Navitus Bay and Rampion offshore wind. WTG package manager for Navitus Bay through to appointment of preferred supplier. Setup and managed port and support services framework for Rampion offshore wind farm during construction phase. Sean is based in Swansea.
Sonya has been an enthusiastic renewable energy advocate and practitioner during two decades of leading legal teams in support of developments. She recognises the value - and need - to bring public participation in renewables, and is a Trustee or Director of five community energy projects.
Born in Caersws, she now lives in the south west of England but maintains strong links in Wales as a Trustee for the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth. Sonya completed an MSc in renewable energy in 2015 to supplement her legal expertise with strong scientific understanding.
Tom has 18 years experience across the sustainability, renewable energy and energy sectors in various roles with responsibility for the development and communication functions. Extensive commercial, development and communications experience, most recently leading development of Greenlink infrastructure project so good experience of landfalls in Pembrokeshire and Anglesey. Engineering background with an MSc in Renewable Energy Systems Technology.