Technical Service & Development Manager, Huntsman, Switzerland

Presentation Topic: New Casting & Impregnation Systems for Monolithic &
Composite Insulators

Mr. Beisele graduated 1990 as a chemical engineer from the University of Applied
Sciences in Isny (Germany) and in 2002 as an industrial engineer from the University of
Applied Sciences in Berne (Switzerland). He started work as development engineer for
epoxy thermoset encapsulation materials and in 1995 became team leader in the
development of electrical insulation products for heavy electrical applications. In 2005
he was appointed to his present position for power electric products for Europe, Africa,
Middle East and India.

During his career he developed many epoxy-based products for applications in
switchgear, insulators, bushings, instrument transformers and dry type transformers.
He is an inventor with a number of patents and also author of many technical papers.

Senior Advisor, Statnett, Norway

Presentation Topic: Assessing Ten Years of Service Experience with
Composite Line Insulators at HVDC

Dr. Berlijn studied Electrotechnical Engineering at the TU Eindhoven (MSc) and at the
TU Graz (PhD). She has worked intensively with HV Testing, Measurement and
Research at both KEMA and STRI and has published many articles in this field. Recently
she joined Statnett, in the group responsible for the electromechanical design of power
lines.

Principal Engineer - Insulators, Hubbell Power Systems, United States

Presentation Topic: The Evolution of the Polymer Insulator

Mr. Bernsdorf has been working professionally with insulators at Hubbell Power
Systems since 1977 in positions ranging from Technician to Manager of Engineering
Services. He is an active member of IEEE/PES, NEMA HVITC, ANSI C-29, CSA TC127,
and the IEC. He currently serves as Chairman of the Insulator Working Group within
IEEE and is the Technical Advisor (TA) to the United States National Committee (USNC)
of the IEC for TC-36, SC 36B and SC 36C.

Engineering Department Manager, Areva T&D Italy - Passoni & Villa, Italy

Presentation Topic: UHV Bushings: Experience & Developments

Mr. Cardano received his Doctoral Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Milano
Politechnic University. After graduation, he joined Passoni & Villa and has been working
in various positions in the technical area. He is presently the manager of the
Engineering Department, in charge, of the development of UHV AC/DC bushings. He is
president of the Italian Committee CEI 36A - Bushings and is active in several
CEI/IEC/Cigre working groups. He has published several papers in various international conferences.

President, K-Line Insulators, Canada

Presentation Topic: Non-Ceramic Insulator Condition Detection

Mr. Carreira received his Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering from
the University of Waterloo in1978. He has been the President of K-Line Insulators
since 1990 and is responsible for managing and operating the polymer insulator
manufacturer that has operations in Canada and the United States as well as sales
around the world. Prior to that, he held engineering and management positions with
Ontario Hydro (now Hydro One) and his work there encompassed electrical power
distribution and transmission design, planning, construction and maintenance.

He is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario, CIGRE, CSA,
CEA and is a Senior Member of IEEE. He chairs the IEEE TF 15.09.04.01 “Guidelines for
the In-service Classification of NCI Damage” as well as ESMOL TF on IEEE Std 957
“Guide for Cleaning Insulators”. He has recently been appointed an Associate Expert
of WG 32 and an Associate Member of B2-AG-06. He also sits on various other
committees, working groups and task forces in these organizations.

President, RHM International, United States

Presentation Topic: New Polymeric Capacitor Type HV Bushings –
Capabilities & Field Experience

Mr. Euvrard received a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering & Materials Science from the
Toulouse Chemistry Engineering School in France as well as an M.Sc. in Metallurgical
Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. He also has an MBA
from IMD, in Lausanne, Switzerland. His work experience consists of leading the
development, industrialization and commercialization of advanced materials-based
products in several industries, both in Europe and in the U.S. Currently, he serves as
President of RHM International in Boston, where his focus is on the development of the
new HV Dryshield technology, along with sister company TR Electric in China.

Scientific Director, SEVES Power Insulators, France

Presentation Topics:
1. Review of Polymer Materials and Design Considerations Based on Field
Experience and Laboratory Testing

2. Performance Evaluation Method and Optimum Selection of Overhead
Line Insulators for Contaminated Environments

A member of IEEE, Mr. George graduated from HEI in Lille in the field of Electrical
Engineering (1985). He joined Sediver in 1986 as Production Manager for composite
insulators. In 1994 he became Quality Manager and later on Technical Director of the
Sediver plant in North America where he remained until 2001. He then joined Customer
Technical Support based in France before being appointed to the position of Scientific
Director in 2006.

Plant Director, Isoelectric, Italy

Presentation Topic: Evolution of Standards and Performance of
Composite Insulators

Mr. Giobbe has over 25 years experience in the field of manufacturing insulators for
applications on overhead lines and is currently Plant Director of one of the major
manufacturers of both silicone rubber and epoxy resin insulators. He is a member of
the Italian Electrotechnical Commission.

Technical Manager, Porzellanfabrok Frauenthal, PPC Insulators, Austria

Presentation Topic: Optimized Insulators for Different Environments and Applications

Mr. Gödel graduated from the Technical University in 1996 and one year later joined
Ceram, Porzellanfabrik Frauenthal, as Design and Quality Engineer. Since 2001 he has
been appointed Technical Manager for the Porzellanfabrik Frauenthal Insulator factory
within the PPC Group.

Professor, Arizona State University, United States
Co-Chairman, Session on Silicones & RTV Silicone Coatings

Presentation Topic: A Balanced Approach to Insulator Selection and Specification

Dr. Gorur has published a textbook and more than 150 papers on the subject of
non-ceramic (composite/polymeric) materials and insulators. He has served as
Chairman of the IEEE Working group on Insulator Contamination and Dielectric Ageing
and also chaired IEEE working groups on polymeric cable accessories. He worked
closely in the preparation of the IEEE Standard 1523 on RTV silicone coatings and
in the development of several IEEE standards dealing with testing and application of
non-ceramic insulators. He serves as U.S. representative for CIGRE Study Committee
and is a consultant to companies and utilities worldwide.

Professor, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
Co-Chairman, Sessions on Insulator Diagnostics

Presentation Topic: Evaluating Resistance of Materials for Outdoor
Insulator Housings to Corona and Ozone

Prof. Gubanski received M.Sc. (high voltage engineering) and Ph.D.degrees (material
science) from the Technical University of Wroclaw. He was a Research Fellow at the
University College of North Wales Bangor, U.K. and also a lecturer at the Technical,
University of Wroclaw in Poland. Afterwards he was associate professor at the Royal Institute of Technology,Stockholm, Sweden. Currently, he is Professor in HV Engineering
at the Department of Manufacturing and Materials Technology, Chalmers University
of Technology, Göteborg and research leader at High Voltage Valley in Ludvika,
Sweden. He is an IEEE Fellow and Chair of IEEE-DEIS Nominations Committee. He is
also convener of the CIGRE Task Force D1.01.14 Dielectric Response Methods for
Diagnostics of Power Transformers.

Technical Manager Insulation, STRI, Sweden

Presentation Topics:
1. Application of Helicopter-Based IR Technology for Detection of
Internal Defects in Composite Insulators

2. Practical Applications of Insulator Selection Tool Program for Insulation
Dimensioning Using Test Station & Test Tower Data

Dr. Gutman is a specialist in dimensioning and maintenance of outdoor insulation
and has developed his professional experience over more than 25 years - first at
the HVDC Research Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia and since 1994 at STRI. At present, he is a Senior IEEE member and active in a number of CIGRE Working Groups
(SC A3, C4, B2) as well as IEC Working Groups (within TC 36). He has published over
100 papers related to his areas of interest.

Vice Chairman & Deputy CEO, Public Power Corp. Greece

Presentation Topic: Welcome & Opening Address

Dr. Hatziargyriou has a Diploma in Electrical & Mechanical Engineering from the
National Technical University of Athens as well as an MSc. In 1982, he received his PhD
in Electrical Power Engineering from the Manchester Institute of Science & Technology.

Since February 2007, he is executive Vice-chair of the Public Power Corp. and deputy
CEO, responsible for the Transmission & Distribution Divisions, island DNO and the
Center of Testing, Research & Prototyping. He is also Vice-chair of PPC Renewables
and Chairman e He of the Association of Hellenic Electricity Undertakings.

Dr. Hatziargyriou is member of many Greek and international scientific organisations,
including the Advisory Council of the EU Smart Grids Technology Platforms, CIGRE
(where he is Convenor of SC C6), Fellow of IEEE, (where he is Chair of the Power
System Dynamic Performance Committee) and currently Chairman of the IEEE Greece
Section. He also has significant research experience with participation in more than
60 R&D Projects. He is author of two books and more than 250 publications in
international magazines and conference proceedings.

Sr. Researcher, ABB Corporate Research, Sweden

Presentation Topic: Evaluation of Non-Destructive Testing Methods for
Verification of Adhesion of Silicone Rubber Outdoor Insulation

Henrik Hillborg received his M. Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in polymer technology from the
Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1994 and 2001, respectively.
Since 1995 he has been working with polymeric materials in different HV applications
at ABB Corporate Research in Västerås, Sweden. His research interests concentrate
on silicone rubbers and polymer nanocomposites.

Professor, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Germany
Co-Chairman, Sessions on Surge Arresters

Presentation Topic:Research on Surge Arrester Handling at the
Technische Universität Darmstadt

Volker Hinrichsen received his engineering and doctoral degrees in electrical engineering from the Technical University of Berlin. He joined Siemens Power
Transmission and Distribution in 1989 as a test engineer in the high voltage laboratories
and later became Director R&D of the Surge Arrester Division. In this role, he was
responsible for the full range of surge arresters up to 800 kV. In 2001, he joined the
Technische Universität Darmstadt as full professor in high voltage engineering He is
also head of the high-voltage laboratories and active in education, research and testing.
Prof. Hinrichsen is Convener of IEC TC37 Maintenance Team 4 (responsible for IEC
standards 60099-4, 60099-6 and the emerging 60099-8 on externally gapped line
arresters) as well as a member of several other national and international
standardization committees on surge arresters, insulation, insulation coordination
and testing.

President & CEO, CSL Silicones, Canada

Presentation Topic: A Study of the Barriers to Adoption of
RTV Silicone Coatings

In his capacity as President, Mr. Huda oversees all aspects of the business including
research and product development, production and marketing. Previously, he served for
four years as Marketing Manager. Mr. Huda attained his Bachelor of Applied Sciences
at the University of Waterloo, Canada in 1998 graduating in the field of Chemical
Engineering. In 2003, he earned a Masters in Business Administration in Paris at the
Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) Grande Ecole.

Application Engineering & Technical Support, Dow Corning, Germany

Presentation Topic: Using the Inclined Plane Test to Evaluate a Material's
Tracking & Erosion Performance

Dr. Janssen received his PhD in Electrical Engineering in 1999 at the Technical
University of Braunschweig in Germany. Up to 2002, he worked for the HV apparatus
manufacturer Trench Germany and Trench China. Afterwards, he took over the
composite insulator department of Siemens-Argillon. He has been with Dow Corning
since 2005 where his global responsibilities include composite application engineering
and new material research as well as development and standardization work.

Chief Technical Officer, PPC Insulators/SEVES Power Insulators, Sweden

Presentation Topic: Optimized Insulators for Different Environments and Applications

Dr. Johansson graduated from Technical University in 1974 and then joined Nobel
Industries. In 1985, he completed his doctoral degree in the field of high temperature
inorganic chemistry after which he served as part-time Professor in Ceramic Material
Technology. He joined Ceram as Group Ceramic Specialist and became Chief Technical
Officer of Ceram/PPC in 2000.

Senior Specialist, ABB PGIC, Sweden

Presentation Topic: Fire & Safety Aspects for HV Condenser Bushings

Mr. Jonsson is a Senior Specialist in technical support at ABB in Ludvika. He has worked
with transformer components and their applications for almost 20 years and has a
Master of Science degree from Luleå University of Technology.

Head of Materials Group, HV Switchgear R&D, Areva T&D, France

Presentation Topic: Experience with Composite Hollow Core Insulators at
Areva T&D – Research into Reduction of Gas Emission

Dr. Kieffel received his PhD in 2001 in Physics and Materials Sciences at the University
of Grenoble and joined the Areva-T&D HV Switchgear Research Centre shortly
afterwards, where he is now in charge of the Materials Research Team. He is a
specialist on solid insulation for High Voltage products with specific focus on composite
insulators.

Head of Strategy & Marketing, Surge Arresters Siemens, Germany

Presentation Topic: EGLA - An Old Technology, Finally Standardized

Dr. Klingbeil studied electrical engineering at Berlin Technical University and was
awarded his doctorate from the Institute of Electrical Power Engineering. After
participating in the development group at the Surge Arrester and Limiter Unit, in 2004
he was appointed to his current position at Siemens Surge Arresters worldwide. He is
also member of the Cigre working group A3.17.

Head of Design & Application Engineering, Klöckner Desma, Germany

Presentation Topic: Production of Insulators & Arresters by Injection Moulding

Mr. Krell, a specialist in the injection moulding process using polymeric materials such
as silicone, has long experience at one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of machinery
for producing composite insulators and related MV & HV network components.

Chief Engineer, Kinectrics, Canada

Presentation Topic: Evaluating the Condition of Low Leakage Silicone
Insulators After Years of Service in a Polluted Industrial Environment

Dr. Kuffel is an internationally-known expert in the field of HV and HP testing, with
many years of experience first at Ontario Hydro Technologies and later at its successor,
Kinectrics. He has taught in power engineering at the University of Manitoba and
published numerous articles about testing of network components, including insulators,
fittings and cables.

Technical Marketing Manager T&D, Wacker Chemie, Germany

Presentation Topic: Powersil Silicone Rubber Coating

Dr. Lambrecht received his PhD in Electrical Engineering in 2001 at the Technical
University of Dresden. Since 2000 he has been dealing with silicone rubber application
engineering and since 2005 working as Technical Marketing Manager for T&D at
Wacker Chemie. He is member of the German Engineers Society, CIGRE and IEC.

Director HV Laboratory, Electric Power Research Institute, China

Presentation Topic: New UHV Testing Facility for Testing
Insulators & Arresters

Mr. Li heads up the newest and one of the largest testing facilities for insulators and
arresters in the world and has been with EPRI for 10 years. His responsibilities include
overseeing testing of the new designs for use on China’s new 1000 kV AC and ± 800 kV
DC network.

Professor, Tsinghua University, China
Co-Chairman: Session on Insulators

Presentation Topic: Methods Used in China to Assess Composite Insulators
After Years in Service

Professor Liang is one of the world’s foremost specialists in composite insulator
technology with more than two decades in the field. A respected scientist and educator,
he is also influential in setting Chinese standards governing the testing and expected
service performance of such insulators. He is active in international organizations such
as Cigre and IEC, where he is China’s official member of key working groups and
maintenance teams in the areas of electrical insulators and insulation materials.

Marketing & Sales Manager, ABB Plast, Sweden

Presentation Topic: Production & Application of Hollow Composite Insulators
on HV Apparatus

Mr. Lundborg received his M. Sc. degree in mechanical engineering from the Luleå
University of Technology in 1997 and joined ABB in 1998. During that time, he has
been working with high voltage products and has held various positions within product
development, R&D, project and product management as well as marketing and sales.

Technical Manager - Lines & Substations, STRI, Sweden

Presentation Topic: Insulation Aspects for AC to DC Conversion of
Transmission Lines

Dr. Lundquist received his MSc and PhD from Chalmers University of Technology
and later worked for the Swedish utility Vattenfall as well as ABB. Since 1999, he is
with STRI and is responsible for working on insulation coordination, corona effects,
substation reliability and computer software development. He is a member of Cigré
Working Group B2-26, ‘Electrical aspects on overhead lines’.

Research Engineer, Eskom, South Africa

Presentation Topic: Evolution of Visualisation of HV Defects through
UV and IR Imaging

Mr. Mahatho holds a Diploma in Power Engineering as well as in Project Management
and is a member of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE). He is
currently employed by Eskom Resources and Strategy and his research interests include
transmission insulator research, HVDC live line requirements, lightning performance of
sub-transmission lines and overall transmission line performance. He is also currently
involved in a new reference book on Electromagnetic Compatibility for Power Utilities.

Expert Consultant, HV Insulation Systems, Canada
Chairman of Session on Hollow Core Insulators

Presentation Topic: Overview of Developments in Hollow Core
Composite Insulators

Mr. Martin has been in businesses related to electric utilities for four decades. After a
brief period in nuclear research, he moved to Hydro Quebec’s IREQ Research Institute
and then to the utility’s Transmission and Stations Group where he dealt with physical
aspects of lines, including electrical insulation and related testing. Subsequently, he
worked in the design, commercial and product management departments of several
manufacturers of ceramic and composite insulators. He is past Chairman of the CSA
Insulator Standards Committee as well as active in IEC insulator working groups.

Operations Manager, CSL Silicones Inc., Canada

Presentation Topic: Developing Complementary Solutions to RTV Technology

Mr. McConnery is the most recent addition to CSL Silicones of Canada. In addition to his
role as the Operations Manager, he has been leading the development of an Automated
Mobile Coating System for RTV Silicone application. Mr. McConnery graduated from the
University of Waterloo in 1994 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical
Engineering. Upon graduation he began a career in the automotive industry, becoming
an expert and achieving great success in process control and automated coatings
solutions. Mr. McConnery’s achievements include the development of several patented
processes and equipment for coatings application.

Director of Mediterranean Operations, CSL Silicones, Greece

Presentation Topic: Overview of Applications of RTV Coatings Across
the Mediterranean

After completing a Bachelors and Masters Degree in science at Strathclyde University in
Glasgow, Mr. Meletacos was actively involved in the management and marketing
sectors of several companies in Greece. He joined CSL Silicones Inc in 1998, becoming
responsible for the development of the company’s Mediterranean operations. Over the
years, he has worked closely with many electric utilities in the region to promote and
establish RTV silicone coatings as one of the primary maintenance tools for protecting
substation and line insulators against environmentally induced outages.

Head of Engineering, Composite Products, Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen, Germany

Presentation Topic: Seismic Qualification of Equipment with Insulators

Dr. Merten received his PhD in 2005 in Materials Sciences at the University of Erlangen-
Nürnberg. Before joining Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen (MR), he worked for several
years in a materials testing and research laboratory. At MR he is responsible for the
development and engineering of hollow composite insulators.

Head of Investment Planning, Elektroprenos B&H, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Presentation Topic: Development of Knowledge Base for Operation &
Maintenance of Equipment with Polymeric Insulation

Ms. Omeragic obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Sarajevo
University in 1996 following which she joined Elektroprivreda B&H, Transmission
Division. After establishment of the national transmission company Elektroprenos B&H
in 2006, she was appointed Head of the investment planning department. Her research
has focused on high voltage insulation, especially polymer composite insulators. In
November 2002, she was elected to vice-chairman of Study Committee D1 of the B&H National Committee of CIGRÉ. Currently, she is also working on her master’s thesis.

Commercial Development Manager, Dow Corning, Spain

Presentation Topic: A Review of High Voltage Insulator Coatings

Ms. Peña received her degree in organic chemistry in 1988 at the Autonomous
University of Barcelona. She has worked at Dow Corning for 20 years in a number of
commercial roles spread across a variety of different industry sectors. In 2005 she
became responsible for the company's sales development and technical support
activities for HV insulator coating solutions for customers in Europe, the Middle East
and Africa.

Consultant, Italy
Co-Chairman, Session on Hollow Core Insulators

Presentation Topic: Latest Developments in Composite Hollow Core Insulators
from the Perspective of CIGRE WG A 3.21

Mr. Pigini received a Doctoral Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University
of Milan. He worked for more than 35 years at CESI, first as a researcher, then as
Research Manager and finally as Division Director, responsible for a number of aspects
of HV electrical system, including environmental impact and generation. He is a
Distinguished Member of CIGRE, Fellow of IEEE and active in various WG and
Committees at these bodies. He now acts as a consultant to international clients.

Scientist, ABB Corporate Research, Poland

Presentation Topic: Unique Approach to Seismic Analyses of
Transformer Bushings

Mr. Platek graduated in 2003 from the University of Technology in Krakow and has been
working for the ABB Corporate Research Center since 2004 as a scientist. His work is
focused on multi-physic simulations (fluid-structure interaction, seismic calculations)
and development of the simulation tool for thermal calculations. He has authored and
co-authored several scientific papers and number of technical reports.

Consultant, Spain

Presentation Topic: Are We Approaching a New Phase for
Composite Insulators?

Dr. Martín Portillo has developed his professional experience over 35 years in the
Spanish electrical sector. After 13 years in R&D, design and manufacture of equipment
and components, he worked for Red Electrica de España (REE) for more than 22 years
in the areas of maintenance, design and construction of transmission facilities, asset
management and communication. Currently, he is General Manager of MP Consulting
and member of the Spanish Live Working National Committee, Steering Committee
of Live Working Association (LWA) (both of which he has served as Chairman) and
AENOR 204 Committee. He has also been a member of the JiCable Technical
Committee, CIGRE SC B1, CIGRE WG 22-03 as well as member ofWorking Groups
of IEC, CENELEC and other study as well as standardization organizations.

Director & Vice General Manager, Dalian Insulator, China

Presentation Topic: Development and Testing of Composite HV Station Post
Insulators

Mr. Ren is an expert in insulator production design and technology, having served many
years at one of China's largest and oldest insulator manufacturers. His major
responsibilities include engineering and factory operation and this has involved him
closely in every facet of the development of the new range of composite station post
insulators.

Principal, Axxos, Switzerland

Presentation Topic: Advanced Methods & Tooling for Hollow Core Insulator
Manufacturing

Mr. Röder, a Consultant for insulation systems using silicone materials (hollow core as
well as long rod insulators) is the CEO of a large internationally active manufacturer
of tooling machinery. He has had extensive experience in hollow core composite
insulators as former Director of an internationally-known component manufacturer for
the electrical apparatus manufacturing industry as well as Business Unit Manager of a
globally active manufacturing and marketing company for electrical test equipment.

Sr. Research Engineer,
Central Research Institute of Electrical Power Industry (CRIEPI), Japan

Presentation Topic: Overview of Japanese Blackout in Nigata and Study
of Countermeasures for Dealing with Wet Snow Packed with Sea-Salt
on Insulator Strings

After receiving a Masters Degree in electrical engineering from Waseda University,
Mr. Sakata started working for the Tohoku Electric Power Co. In his position at this large
Japanese utility, he was involved in R&D work as well as in planning, designing and
building of overhead transmission lines. Currently he is on loan from the utility as a
senior research engineer at CRIEPI where he specializes in research on snow related
failures of lines, including snow accretion on conductors and insulator strings as well as
conductor galloping. His recent interests are clarifying the phenomenon of snow packed
with sea salt on insulator strings and establishing effective countermeasures.

Convener, CIGRE Working Group B.2.21 “Insulators”, Switzerland

Presentation Topic: Assessment of Composite Insulators After Servicee

Dr. Schmuck started in the field of high voltage composite insulations in 1988 and
completed his PhD in 1992 in Germany. He is a member of several GIGRE and IEC
Working Groups and Convener of CIGRE WG B2.21 named “Insulators”. Since 2007,
he has written as a Columnist for INMR and is currently employed as a member of the
Executive Board and Head of R&D at Pfisterer Sefag’s Centre of Competence Overhead
Lines in Switzerland.

Area Sales Manager for Bushings, ABB Micafil, Switzerland

Presentation Topic: Seismic RIP Bushings - Experience & Latest Developments

Mr. Schnider obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the
Polytechnic Institute of Lucerne in 1996 and, after several years of mechanical
engineering, joined Pfisterer Sefag as International Project Manager for
HV transmission lines. Prior to joining ABB Micafil at the start of the year, he
was responsible for sales and marketing of RIP HV condenser bushings in
assigned areas and also worked in project management for HV cable systems.

Group Leader, ABB Corporate Research, Poland

Presentation Topic: Unique Approach to Seismic Analyses of
Transformer Bushings

Dr. Sekula graduated in 1990 from the University of Mining and Metallurgy in Krakow
and later received his Ph.D. in the field of heat engineering and environmental
protection. From 1990 to 1996 he was lecturer and scientist and since 1997 has been
working at ABB Corporate Research as a research scientist. His special fields of interest
include environmental science, heat transfer, waste management as well as polymer
processing and modeling. He leads the Manufacturing, Mechanics and Material Science
Group. He is an author and co-author of more than 70 scientific papers and conference
presentations and holder of 15 patents in the field.

Consultant to Public Power Corporation, Greece

Presentation Topic: Substation Pollution Maintenance Using
RTV Silicone Coatings

Dr. Siderakis received a diploma degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2000
and a PhD Degree in 2006 from the University of Patras. Presently, he is working as a
consultant with Public Power Corporation in Crete and also teaches High Voltage
Engineering at the Technical Institute of Crete. His research activities include high
voltage insulation, composite materials and performance of insulators in polluted areas.

Director, EGU HV Laboratory, Prague, Czech Republic

Presentation Topic: Monitoring of HV & UHV Overhead Line Components
by UV and IR Cameras

Mr. Sklenicka received an electrical engineering degree from Czech Technical University
and joined EGU HV Laboratory in 1970 where he worked in the field of electric strength
of external insulation under polluted conditions. He later received a doctorate degree
and expanded his scope of responsibility to include projects on external insulation and
insulation coordination. This included AC strength of external insulation, insulation
pollution monitoring and diagnostics, electrical insulation for live line work, composite
insulators, procedures for station and overhead lines insulation coordination and
insulator testing. He is a member of different Working Groups in CIGRE (SC A3, B2 and
C4) and also active in IEC and CENELEC TC 11 and TC 36.

Professor, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo,
Bosnia & Herzegovina

Presentation Topic: Development of Knowledge Base for Operation &
Maintenance of Equipment with Polymeric Insulation

Professor Sokolija obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Sarajevo University in 1972,his
Master’s degree from Zagreb University in Croatia in 1977 and his D.Sc. degree from
the same University in 1988 – all in Electrical Engineering. He joined the Faculty of
Electrical Engineering at University of Sarajevo where he was on academic staff, first
as Assistant Professor, then Docent, then Associate Professor and becoming a full
professor in 2000. During 1980 and 1981, he was Visiting Researcher in the Department
of EE, UMIST in the U.K. Also, from 1995 to 1999 he was Visiting Staff Lecturer at the
Politechnico di Torino in Italy. His special fields of interests are in high voltage insulation
where he has published numerous papers dealing with insulation design and application.

Project Manager, Electro-Optical Engineering, CSIR, South Africa

Presentation Topic: Use of Terahertz for Inspecting Polymeric Insulators

Mr. Stolper has a B.Technology degree in Electronic Engineering from Tshwane
University in Pretoria and has for some time been Project Manager for development
and commercialization of HV system fault detection and imaging products, including the
CoroCAM corona detection range. He is currently CSIR’s Project Manager for developing diagnostic inspection equipment on behalf of the large power utility, Eskom.
He is a member of the SA Institute of Electrical Engineers and the optical society
SPIE America.

EPRI of China

Presentation Topic: Application of AC & DC Composite Insulators for UHV lines

Su Zhiyi graduated from North China Electric Power University in 1970 and until 1979
worked as an engineer at power plant. In 1983 he joined the China Electric Power
Research Institute (EPRI). Since that time he has been engaged in high voltage testing
technology as well as outdoor insulation design. He is a Fellow Engineer of EPRI, China.

Head of Islands Network Operations Department (Crete & Rhodes Section),
Public Power Corp., Greece

Presentation Topic: Overview of the Power System in Crete -
Problems and Opportunities

Dr. Thalassinakis received his Diploma in electrical and mechanical engineering and
also a Ph.D degree from National Technical University of Athens. After working for the
Ministry of the Environment, in 1991 he joined the Public Power Corporation where he
is now Head of the Crete and Rhodes Section of the Islands Network Operations
Department. His professional and research interests are reliability, high voltage
transmission technology, power system operation and contamination of insulators.
Dr. Thalassinakis is a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece, IEEE and CIGRE.

Transmission Engineering Manager, NB Power Transmission Corp. Canada

Presentation Topic:Transmission Line Lightning Performance Mitigation -
Shield Wires Versus Line Arresters

Mr Williamson received his Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1974 from the
University of New Brunswick. He presently serves as Manager, Transmission
Engineering at NB Power Transmission Corp. In 2008, he began engineering consulting
work specializing in transmission line grounding and lightning performance mitigation.
He is a professional engineer with 34 years of experience in the electrical utility
industry. His recognized expertise in grounding related issues comes from 30 years of
experience in troubleshooting utility grounding problems. His most recent efforts have
been in the area of transmission line lightning protection and more specifically the
application of line arresters. 

Global Product Manager for Composite Insulators, ABB, Sweden

Presentation Topic: Production & Application of Hollow Composite Insulators
on HV Apparatus

Dr. Windmar received his BSc in Physics and PhD in HV Engineering from Uppsala
University in 1989 and 1994 respectively. After graduation, he joined ABB and has since
been working in various positions all related to high voltage apparatus and insulators.
He currently serves as Chairman of IEC 36C ‘Insulators for Substations’ and is active in
several IEC/Cigre working groups. He has published over 30 articles in various journals
and conferences.

Technical Marketing Manager T&D, Wacker Chemie, Germany

Presentation Topic: History of Composite Insulators & Development of
Powersil Product Family

Dr. Winter received his PhD in Chemistry in 1986 at the Free University in Berlin. Since
1988 he has been working as Technical Marketing Manager for T&D at Wacker Chemie.

He has authored and co-authored scientific papers as well as a number of technical
reports. He is member of several CIGRE Working Groups and Convener of WG5
(tracking) in IEC TC112.

Principal, ArresterWorks, United States
Co-Chairman, Sessions on Arresters

Presentation Topic: Application of Arresters for Optimal
Environmental Impact on Power Transmission

Jonathan Woodworth is a consulting engineer in Overvoltage Protection and Arresters.
After 29 years as Engineering Manager and a designer of arresters with Cooper Power
Systems, he recently started his own consulting firm, ArresterWorks. His current focus
is to develop ArresterWorks.com into the leading arrester website, and as a consultant
assist users and manufacturers in the optimal design and application of arresters. He is
active in IEC and IEEE standards development.

Professor, Wuhan University, China

Presentation Topic: Opportunities to Improve Insulator Performance by
Re-thinking Traditional Design Concepts

Professor Zhang is among China's leading authorities on electrical insulators, with over
30 years experience in the development, design and testing of locally-made composite
insulators. He is holder of a broad range of patents involving modifications to traditional
insulator designs which significantly improve insulator withstand under difficult service
conditions.

Business Development Manager, ABB Micafil, Switzerland

Presentation Topic: Seismic RIP Bushings – Experience & Latest Developments

Mr. Zic who holds both MScE.E. and BScE.E degrees, began his career in the field of
high voltage bushings at Haefely in Basel in 1989. Before that time, he worked for
Siemens and also as Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the
University of Zagreb in Croatia. He joined ABB Micafil in 1996.

Sr. Department Manager, Société Tunisienne de l'Électricité et du Gaz (STEG), Tunisia

Presentation Topic: Performance of HV Ceramic & Non-Ceramic Insulators
Under Combined Marine & Petrochemical Pollution in North-West Algeria

Mr. Znaidi has been involved for 23 years in an intensive research program on external
insulation coordination under service conditions dominated by marine, desert and
industrial pollution. He has also worked as Consultant in other countries in North Africa
and across the region that have similar environmental conditions. Since 1994, he has
been a member of CIGRE Study Committee C4 as well as related Working Groups and
Task Forces. He is contributing author of CIGRE Technical Brochures dealing with
polluted insulators.