Subsea companies at an event in Aberdeen yesterday were urged to step-up and play their part in helping to meet the world’s renewable-energy targets.
The seminar was organised by industry body Subsea UK, whose chief executive Neil Gordon chaired a discussion about potential tie-ups between the subsea and offshore renewable sectors.
Speakers representing industry names such as Siem Offshore Contractors (SOC), Ecosse Subsea Systems, DeepOcean and James Fisher Marine Services, as well as economic development quango
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), also shared lessons learned to date and looked at the role offshore renewables will play in the future energy mix.
The event, held at the Chester Hotel, was hailed as an important step in encouraging collaboration and achieving a further reduction in the cost of installing and maintaining offshore windfarms.
Mr Gordon said: “The recent UK Government CFD (contract for difference) auction produced three contracts in offshore wind.
“This produced a new strike price of £57.50MWh (megawatt-hours) which is half what it was in 2015.
“By bringing together companies that are already active in the offshore renewables space, it was an opportunity to examine developments that have proven to be a success, while highlighting the challenges and the entry routes into the offshore wind market.”
He added: “With a significant number of developments launching over the next few years, and with world renowned experience in offshore oil and gas engineering, the UK has the skills and expertise to lead the way.
“However, to do this, it’s vital we build alliances, strengthen the supply chain and embrace new technologies.”
Roy Kirk, Caithness and Sutherland area manager, HIE, said organisations such as HIE, Scottish Enterprise and Business Gateway could help companies overcome some of the barriers by offering free advice on market entry requirements, diversification and supply chain positioning.
SOC business development manager Alex Gauntt focused on the development, planning and construction phases of offshore wind and tidal projects, while also giving an insight into the £1.7billion Veja Mate offshore windfarm in Germany.
John Best, head of sustainable energy at James Fisher and Sons said there was a huge window of opportunity for UK firms to make their mark in the growing global renewable-energy industry over the next decade.
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