On the 15th February, EnviroBusiness co-hosted one of the largest in a series of offshore wind supply chain events taking place across the UK throughout February and March – the Southern Region, hosting 623 MW of installed wind capacity and 10.2 GW planned for Round 3. The south east offshore supply chain was very well represented through numerous expert speakers, exhibitors and delegates. All companies had the chance to engage with world-leading offshore wind developers, turbine manufacturers and Tier 1 contractors.
The exhibitor hall hosted stands from over 50 companies from the south east, south west and east of England, as well as throughout the rest of the UK and across Europe. South east companies such as Gifford, Fugro, Atkins, SeaRoc, South Boats and Solent Composite Systems exhibited alongside offshore wind developers RWE npower renewables, Eneco Wind UK, E.ON and Scottish Power Renewables; turbine manufacturers REpower, and large engineering contractors like Hochtief Construction.
In conjunction with the exhibition, 20 speakers gave short presentations representing aspects through the supply chain, and stimulated several Q&A panels for issues around barriers, opportunities, prospects and concerns for offshore wind. The discussion topics included the entry points for smaller companies to supply the industry; pre-qualification criteria for contracts and the need for innovation to drive down the costs of energy. Concerns were raised about the market uncertainties for future offshore wind, how that could affect the supply chain, and also how supply chain bottle necks may in future effect the development of projects. In addition, the future Round 3 projects were raised with specific emphasis on manufacturers that must do more to increase localism in the supply chain.
The EnviroBusiness team were there, with Chief Executive Alan Banks making opening remarks, chairing various sessions throughout the day, and introducing the keynote speaker; The Rt Hon Mark Prisk, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise. EnviroBusiness will continue to act as event partners for national events such as this to ensure that south east companies can meet with key organisations in the offshore renewables industry. We are currently working with E.ON and Eneco Wind UK, developers of the Round 3 projects located in the south east to promote potential business opportunities and develop a local supply chain.
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Source: envirobusiness , February 21, 2011