The Humber’s offshore wind sector will take centre stage next week, and there will be spotlights on UK, European and US cooperation, as the industry unites for a leading conference.
Offshore Wind Connections 2021, which takes place on April 21 and 22, has attracted a stellar cast of more than 30 experts including Clark MacFarlane, UK managing director of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy the conference’s headline sponsor.
The conference welcomes five US speakers following the long-running work by Team Humber Marine Alliance to develop relationships with key East Coast USA offshore wind figures for mutual benefit. European speakers will update delegates on developments in Sweden, Finland and Poland.
Closer to home, representatives from the Southern North Sea Energy Alliance will look at the opportunities presented by its UK-Netherlands partnership, while local skills, diversity initiatives and freeports will be addressed. Perspectives from the two local enterprise partnerships will be given by Stephen Parnaby and Pat Doody respective chairs of the Hull & East Yorkshire and Greater Lincolnshire LEPs.
The Humber speakers include Neil Etherington of Able UK, Ben George of ORE Catapult, Simon Bird and Andy Reay of Associated British Ports, Emma Toulson and Lauren Little of Ørsted and Louise Smith, Director of Aura. Melanie Onn of RenewableUK will also have a platform.
Team Humber Marine Alliance, the conference organiser, has partnered with Aura to access our innovative new 3D platform where delegates can create an avatar, network and watch industry presentations. Here at the Aura Innovation Centre (AIC), which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and led by the University of Hull, we’re opening our doors to our digital twin enabling delegates to experience the building virtually in real time.
Andrew Oliver, chair of Team Humber Marine Alliance, said that the board members had been pleased with the response to the virtual conference. He added:
“We have attracted many high-profile speakers who will highlight the broad supply chain opportunities and deliver the latest on developments in this vibrant sector.
“The conference will be an offshore wind industry get together like no other.”
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy is the headline sponsor of OWC 2021. Platinum sponsors are Ørsted, Associated British Ports and Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. RES Group, Carlbom Shipping, Andrew Jackson Solicitors and Mapa PR have taken the gold sponsorship, and Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm and RSM are the silver sponsors. All have been longstanding supporters of the conference which attracts delegates from the UK, Europe and globally.
Further support for OWC 2021 is being given by the Department for International Trade, RenewableUK, Maritime UK, Grimsby Renewables Partnership, the Workboats Association and The Supply Chain Network.
The full list of speakers has been published on the conference website where tickets can also be purchased.