Second record-breaking decade highlighted for the Humber as offshore wind conference nears
Speakers now confirmed for Offshore Wind Connections
Orsted’s head of European execution programmes, Patrick Harnett. (Image: Orsted)
Another record-breaking decade is in store for the Humber’s offshore wind industry.
That’s the message from the OWC 2023 keynote speaker and headline sponsor.
Orsted’s head of European execution programmes Patrick Harnett will address delegates at the leading conference organised by Humber Marine & Renewables. He will share plans for the company’s Hornsea Three offshore wind farm which is expected to be almost double the size of Hornsea Two, currently the world’s largest.
Ahead of the 10th anniversary conference in Hull on May 3 and May 4 he said that the Humber “will continue to be a game changer in offshore wind”.
With the agenda focused on the UK target of 50GW by 2030, OWC 2023 will look at the opportunity for the region and the major contribution it can make. Trade body RenewableUK will speak about the ambition to achieve the goal, while closer to home, the advancement of the cluster will be discussed.
The opportunity for the supply chain will be the subject of a panel discussion, members of which include Danielle Lane, director of offshore development UK and Ireland, RWE; Andrew Elmes, head of business development UK and Ireland, Siemens Gamesa; and Len Taylor, sector specialist at the Department for Business and Trade.
Offshore Wind Connections 2023 will combine networking, speakers, workshops and a fully-booked exhibition at the DoubleTree by Hilton. It attracts delegates from the Humber region, the UK and overseas and has built a reputation as an essential fixture on the offshore wind sector calendar.
The anniversary event will shine a spotlight on the 10,000 additional skilled employees needed in the region. A ‘People Power’ afternoon panel session will be led by Jane Cooper, director of offshore wind at RenewableUK, and will include Sarah Rodgers, HR business partner at Siemens Gamesa, and Zoe Keeton, head of stakeholder and local markets UK and Ireland at RWE, along with experts from education and training.
Colleges and academic institutions will attend with the aim of inspiring a generation of young people to choose careers in the vibrant sector.
Simon Bird, Associated British Ports’ regional director for the Humber, will speak on behalf of Humber Freeport which was conditionally approved by the Treasury in late March. The Freeport status, which is the culmination of more than two years’ work, is expected to be a catalyst for economic growth, paving the way for new jobs and investment in the region.
The need for further innovation, the environment and infrastructure will also be discussed.
Andrew Oliver, chair of Humber Marine & Renewables, said: “We have a solid line-up of speakers and panel sessions which look at the opportunities and challenges that must be met if we are to maintain a pole position.
“It’s incredible to think how far the Humber has come in the space of a decade, and while OWC will celebrate this anniversary, the focus will be on what needs to happen over the next 10 years.”
The finale will see the Humber Renewables Awards celebrated.
Camilla Carlbom Flinn, a director of Humber Marine & Renewables and director of Carlbom Shipping, said that the level of support for OWC 2023 demonstrated how important the conference had become since it started in 2013.
“From small beginnings when the sector was in its infancy, it is now regarded as an essential annual gathering to get up-to-the-minute information, identify current opportunities and collaborate to ensure that the Humber stays front and centre as a global leader.”
For tickets, and more information, visit offshorewindconnections.com or email Mary Green marygreen@humber-marine-renewables.co.uk.