Presenters & Abstracts
OUR SPEAKERS (More to follow)
Bjoern Reinke | Drax
Bjoern Reinke is a data and transformation leader with over 22 years of experience turning complex challenges into structured solutions — and occasionally turning stubborn legacy systems into something that actually works. With a background that spans utilities, energy, transport, and consulting, he’s led high-value programmes and built teams that don’t just perform: they outperform.
Currently Director of Data and Data Science at Drax Group, Bjoern is responsible for shaping and delivering AI and data strategy. This includes whizzy yet dependable dashboards for C-suite, as well as AI solutions for fibre tracking. His journey includes pioneering smart metering at British Gas, teaching Six Sigma to the masses, and somehow surviving SAP implementations with most of his optimism intact.
Bjoern holds an MSc in Business Management, a Masters in Environmental Engineering, and a Master Black Belt in Six Sigma (sadly not the kind that lets you flip tables in slow motion). He’s passionate about bringing insight to the centre of business decisions and helping organisations get serious value from AI — with just enough humour to keep things human.
In his spare time he does like to build and tune cinematic octocopters, which surprisingly had no impact on his personal street cred with his two teenage daughters. He tries hard to keep up with his partner during runs, but is usually being left behind with no small sense of pride.Gerry Riley | RJM International
A fuels and combustion expert with over 37 years’ experience in the power sector, focusing on engineering, design, construction and commissioning of fossil-fuel and biomass-fired large industrial and utility boilers, burners and ancillaries. Extensive knowledge of the impacts of fuels on plant operation especially ash deposition related problems. Hands on experience with biomass co-firing and conversion projects.
Baldeep Kaur | Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology
Baldeep Kaur works as a Senior Lecturer at The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology, University of Greenwich. She joined The Wolfson Centre as a Research Associate in 2017. She was awarded PhD degree in Applied Physics and was introduced to the area of bulk solids handling during her post-graduate research years. Over these years, Baldeep has worked on different research and industrial consultancy projects working on handling and storage aspects of bulk materials. She has developed research interests in material characterisation techniques, flow behaviour measurements, and conveying of bulk solids. She has worked on research projects involving new and innovative materials for applications such as carbon absorption. Her research interests in biomass developed while working on different projects ranging from exploring the degradation, self-heating tendencies, handling and storage challenges in biomass.
Gordon Smith | Ex HSE
Gordon Smith, CFFOH, entered Occupational Hygiene after graduating (1979) and worked in consultancy in the UK for 30 years. He lectured on Occupational Hygiene at Newcastle University from 1985- 2005 and participated in two European projects relating to painting in the Shipbuilding & repair sectors.
Gordon joined the HSE in 2010 as a Specialist inspector in Occupational Hygiene. He provided advice to the European SLIC group drafting guidance for welding and other hot processes and has been involved with the BOHS mentoring & examining programmes for about 10 years. He was awarded Chartered Fellowship of BOHS in 2019 and was co-recipient of the BOHS Peter Isaac award in 2020 and 2023.
Gordon is now [officially] retired but continuing with the mentoring, examining and supporting the consultancy sector as well as reviewing professional reports for consultancies.
Prof. Michael Bradley | Director, Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology at the University of Greenwich
Mike Bradley is Professor in Particle and Bulk Technology, Director of the Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology. He was awarded both his honours degree and PHD from Thames Polytechnic (now the University of Greenwich) and, as manager/director, provides technical leadership in all aspects of bulk solids handling. His particular areas of interest lie in pneumatic conveying, design of hoppers and silos, dust control, plant integration and maintenance of product quality. He is Chair of Solids Handling and Processing Association (SHAPA), and a member of Materials Handling Engineers Association (MHEA) and of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Bulk Materials Handling Committee (IMechE). He was awarded a professorship in 2006 and the directorship in 2008.
Kenji Ohashi | General Manager Engineering Coordination Unit Engineering Group JERA Co., Inc.
I have over 30 years' experience working as a mechanical engineer in the maintenance and construction of thermal power plants for Japanese electric power companies. I am currently working at JERA's headquarters to provide solutions to various issues related to the operation and maintenance of thermal power plants, and I am the project manager for accident countermeasure works at a biomass-fired power plant.
Scott Smith | DSEAR & Process Safety Operations Manager, ABP
Scott is an experienced operations leader with over 15 years in the coal and biomass sectors. He currently serves as DSEAR & Process Safety Operations Manager at the Humber International Terminal, home to ABP’s Immingham Renewable Fuels Terminal—the largest biomass handling facility in the world. Scott oversees safety and process operations, driving performance, compliance, and cultural change.
Peter Devonshire | Business Unit Manager, Peel Ports
Peter is responsible for the safe and efficient running of the Peel Ports Biomass Terminal in Liverpool. Peter started his journey in the shipping industry for a forwarding agency in 2004. Looking for the next challenge he moved to the chartering desk where he gained experience as a broker and during this time, he achieved membership of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and ultimately moved on to port operations where he completed eight years as the Deputy Terminal Manager. After 15 years, Peter accepted an opportunity to head up the Biomass Terminal for Peel Ports where he has been striving to drive the terminal to the next level in safety, performance and customer service.
Ian Lightfoot | Head of Operations, Port of Tyne
Ian has been involved in biomass handling operations since 2013 and is responsible for logistics, warehousing, cruise and ferry operation, container and bulk/ break bulk cargo operations including rail.