UK: Adam Bruce Named Chairman of New Offshore Wind Programme Board

Adam Bruce has accepted the position of Chairman of the new Offshore Wind Programme Board. The Offshore Wind Programme Board has been established following the recommendations in the Offshore Wind Cost Reduction Task Force report.

It will comprise a small number of senior representatives from industry (including developers and supply chain), Government and Statutory Nature Conservation advisors and is based on successful models used in other sectors such as the Oil and Gas PILOT group.

The Programme Board’s objective will be to treat the UK’s offshore wind sector as one business, proactively considering its risks and assigning the appropriate participants to work on solutions to the issues raised.

 Secretary of State Edward Davey said:

“We need to get the economy moving again and a massive expansion in home grown, clean, renewable energy capacity is central to this.

 “As well as being a clean, green, home-grown energy source offshore wind offers significant employment opportunities for industry across all areas of the UK. However we are clear that costs must come down. I am delighted that Adam Bruce has accepted the role of Chairman to take this challenge forward.

 “I look forward to working closely with Adam and the other members of the Programme Board in my role as joint-Chair of the Offshore Wind Developers Forum”.

 Scottish Government Minister for Energy, Enterprise & Tourism, Fergus Ewing, said:

“I welcome Adam Bruce’s appointment as Chairman of the new Offshore Wind Programme Board, which will implement the recommendations of the Cost Reduction Task Force. The Task Force outlines a realistic path to achieving a significant reduction in the cost of offshore wind, which is essential for us to maximise our offshore wind potential and reap the associated economic benefits.

 “Leases have already been granted for 10GW of offshore wind developments in Scotland’s waters, with companies like EDPR and Repsol committed to developing our offshore potential. In addition, international companies such as Samsung, Mitsubishi and Gamesa, based here in Scotland, are developing the next generation of turbines. Important innovative work that will ensure offshore wind is a competitive and reliable source of renewable energy for decades to come.”

Adam Bruce is Global Head of Corporate Affairs at Mainstream Renewable Power, and is a former Chairman of RenewableUK. He said:

 “I am delighted and honoured to accept the position of Chairman of the Offshore Wind Programme Board. Offshore wind is now an established and growing technology where the UK is in a genuinely world leading position. It has the potential to deliver a very significant amount of carbon free electricity to the UK, and into NW Europe, over the next decades, boosting economic growth, enhancing security of supply and creating huge opportunities for UK business. The challenge we face, which will of course bring many opportunities with it, is to take the sector to the next stage, and help to develop a strong and competitive UK supply chain. To that end, the Programme Board will build on the excellent work of the Offshore Wind Cost Reduction Task Force. The Programme Board will be action focussed and I am looking forward to working with an array of talent in government and industry, across all areas of offshore wind, to deliver tangible benefits to ensure we maximise the huge potential of the sector.”

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Press release, October 19, 2012; Image: iisd