[June 2007]

Dear Colleague,

For a change I have little to report; it has been a quiet period that has given all of us on the Power Industries Board a little time to get our breath back.

The IMechE held an event for members of Parliament on technical innovation; a few of us from the PID where there to discuss energy issues with politicians.  In my view it was a great success and probably one of the best events the IMechE has ever organised.  I hope that we shall be able to develop further some of the contacts we made and give us an opportunity to demonstrate to Westminster the added value that an impartial institution like the IMechE can provide to policy makers.

The Energy White has just been published, we look forward to responding to it, and this will give us further opportunities to engage with politicians.  Any input from you on this issue would be warmly welcome, to ensure that whatever response we make, is as representative as possible of your views.

On the administrative side, our Annual General Meeting was held on the 10th of May, followed by Thomas Lowe Grey Memorial Lecture, this year the topic was power and desalination.  I am sure that those of you who attended will agree with me that it was an excellent event.

The bad news for you is that at the AGM it was agreed that I should remain as your Chairman for a bit longer.  The incoming Chairman, Terrence Tovey will not be in a position to take over until January of next year, I have therefore agreed to “hold the fort” until that time.

Franz Barillaro
Chairman - Power Industries Division
2007