Ensuring Future for East of England Offshore Renewables

Innovation and technology are crucial to the long-term future of the offshore renewables industry in the East of England.

And both came under the microscope of nearly 100 delegates at a conference in the OrbisEnergy Centre, Lowestoft, this week when experts highlighted opportunities and developments.

“Innovation and technology are important for future growth and reliability but also critical to underpin the drive to cut down costs in the energy industry,” said Johnathan Reynolds, business development lead for OrbisEnergy, which staged the event – supported by EEEGR and the European Regional Development Fund.

Richard Hall, from the Department of Business Innovation and Skills “The Government wants to open up opportunities for the UK supply chain with the twin objectives of reducing the cost of energy and maximising the economic benefits,” said Richard Ousey, head of GROW.

Offshore Wind, described another £20m ‘pot of money’ to help SMEs tap into the massive global offshore market and create or safeguard jobs. “We have identified the barriers to entering or growing in the market – and we can help break them down,” he said.

Mr Reynolds said that as well as funding described during the conference, another £50m was on offer from the Low Carbon Innovation Fund, £12m from New Anglia LEP’s Growing Business Fund and £2.5m grants from OrbisEnergy’s own SCORE project.

Press release, February 20, 2014; Image: tms-media