OWC shows strong UK business links
By:
Lewis Holdsworth
09/04/2015
Mapa PR
Leading renewables businesses and industry
figures are backing the Offshore Wind Connections 2015 conference and exhibition
to be held on June 4 at the Spa, Bridlington. Mark O’Reilly, chairman
of the business development organisation THMA, said: “OWC2015 comes
at a crucial juncture in the region’s offshore wind development, and will
have a focus on Yorkshire and the Humber region.
“Three of the UK’s largest wind farms and 80 per cent of all North Sea
offshore wind farms are on our doorstep and 60 per cent of the entire European
offshore wind projects to be built by 2020 is within 12 hours vessel steaming
time.”
OWC2015 will provide the latest updates from industry as well as key topics
including supply chain opportunities, UK content, cost reduction, Lean
efficiencies, inward investment, and funding for growth and skills.
Neil Etherington, group development director at lead sponsor Able UK, said
offshore wind presents the Humber with a fantastic opportunity to become
a world-leading central hub serving this new exciting and dynamic business
sector.
“Through the Able Marine Energy Park we are committed to turning this
in to reality and we all have a critical role to play - as investors, as
future employees and, of course, as local businesses seeking to become
major suppliers to a wide range of new customers.”
Siemens project director in Hull, Finbarr Dowling, said the offshore wind
industry is facing up to the challenge of the lifetime cost of energy:
“Whether it’s streamlining our processes or localising supply chains,
every aspect of our industry can and will be challenged and continuously
improved.”
Cllr Stephen Parnaby OBE, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “There
are a significant number of businesses in East Yorkshire working in the
renewables energy and offshore wind supply chain, many of which are Team
Humber Marine Alliance member companies.
“This is a great way for the Council to support their activities – and
I couldn’t think of a better date and location than The Spa Bridlington,
just before the Yorkshire International Business Convention.”
Expert speakers and contributors lined up include Dong Energy UK, Forewind
and Green Port Growth.
Forewind’s general manager and project director Tarald Gjerde said businesses
in Yorkshire and the Humber are well placed to play a significant role
in the construction and operation of the Dogger Bank wind farms and associated
offshore and onshore electrical infrastructure.
“The consent for Dogger Bank Creyke Beck, announced in February, is a
major milestone towards making these projects a reality.”
The morning session featuring contributions from guest speakers will be
followed after lunch by seminars and workshops on specific subjects.
Wind farm developers, owners, industry trade bodies and companies along
the length of the offshore wind supply chain will be attending, including
manufacturers, port operators, marine support, vessel owners and operations
and maintenance service providers.
There will be networking opportunities at the post-event reception at Sewerby
Hall, Bridlington and a chance to attend the Yorkshire International Business
Convention, which is being held at The Spa the following day (June 5).