Institution news
Q: Could you briefly explain your role and involvement in hydropower?
Tom Pendrey (TP): I have spent most of my professional career working for a large consultancy on major international hydropower projects, covering a broad range of responsibilities, including feasibility, design, project management and business development. I have recently moved to a UK-based developer to help bring forward a nationally significant pumped storage hydropower project.
Q: In your experience, what is the number one challenge facing engineers specialising in hydropower?
TP: It depends on what stage they’re at in their career. For younger engineers, getting the best experience possible is always a challenge and something to strive for. For older engineers, we are in a time of incredible change within the industry, hence the challenge I believe is to continue to adapt to a changing energy landscape.
Q: What is the most exciting development in this field at the moment, either within your company or in the industry in general?
TP: There are two: pumped storage hydropower and tidal power.
Q: What do you see for the future of hydropower development and engineering over the next five to ten years?
TP: There is so much going in pumped storage and tidal. I see more innovative use of technology, faster responding machines, more reliable equipment, and more efficient energy generation, combining technologies to help with the changing energy supply and demand mix.
Q: What are you most looking forward to by attending this seminar?
TP: I am looking forward to meeting industry leaders to talk about the opportunities of the future.
Q: Which sessions are you most looking forward to hearing?
TP: Richard Taylor, CEO of the International Hydropower Association and Mike McWilliams, Mott MacDonald, also First Hydro, on Ffestiniog refurbishment.
Q: Why should hydropower engineers join this seminar?
TP: This seminar is a unique opportunity to hear from and network with key industry players, learning about the latest developments and a vision for the future.
Key programme highlights:
- First Hydro Company and Voith Hydro discuss the Ffestiniog pump storage refurbishment and modernisation project
- SSE Generation Development share a case study about the Coire Glas Pumped Storage scheme
- Tidal Lagoon Power share an update on the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project
- Tidal Electric Ltd discusses the feasibility of building an offshore tidal lagoon power plant in the Solway
- Andritz Hydro talk about adding flywheel function to pumped storage
- Mott MacDonald share insights on the future of hydropower
For full details and to book your place, visit Hydropower Engineering: Technologies, Projects and Future Developments which takes place on 14 June 2018 at One Birdcage Walk in London.