UK: ‘Crucial to Highlight Humber’s Diverse Renewable Energy Mix’

Emphasising the Humber’s mix of energy sources will help the region compete globally, according to a businessman backing a renewables awards event.

Richard Tuplin, director of The Insurance Partnership, said the wider area must demonstrate its broad portfolio of green energy developments to ensure it is seen as a true centre of excellence for the renewables industry.

It comes as the Hull-based company is sponsoring a category in the Humber Renewables Awards 2013.

Now in its second year, the event recognises the work going on to make the region a capital for green energy-related business and activity.

Mr Tuplin said: “The Humber estuary has to emphasise its potential across a broad mix of renewables projects to be a true centre of energy excellence, not just as a home for wind power.

 “This is an important point to make – the fact we can offer developers and investors a whole range of facilities and opportunities across wind, tidal, biomass, micro-generation and other sources.

 “By doing this, we can create a critical mass and show the Humber has a complete renewables offering that competes not just on a European level but on truly global scale.”

The Insurance Partnership, which employs 180 people, is sponsoring the Best Renewable Energy Project or Installation category of the Humber Renewables Awards.

Nominations for the awards close later this month and the event will highlight the work seen over the last year in the green energy sector, which has the potential to be a major part of the region’s future economy.

The Humber is already a venue for both the on and offshore wind industry, bio-energy plants, tidal machines in the estuary itself and numerous micro-generation projects, from solar power to heat pumps.

Mr Tuplin said much of the opportunity surrounding these schemes would come through developing their associated supply chains.

He said: “More businesses are understanding the sector better and the different roles they can play at each stage of the industry and the supply chain. As a region, there is a lot of expertise.

 “This is why we have to remember we are one region – we are stronger when we work together, with both sides of the estuary forming a single proposition for renewables.”

The Insurance Partnership was established nearly 20 years ago, has a £60 million turnover and offices across the UK.

It offers bespoke products for renewable energy, with insurance covering an installation’s full lifecycle, whether it is a single wind turbine or large anaerobic digester.

Mr Tuplin said the Humber Renewables Awards were now an important part of the sector’s calendar locally.

He said: “The awards give a much-needed focus to an industry that is emerging and for which people are working very hard to develop in the Humber.

 “However, it’s also an industry that’s not always understood by the public or can seem complex to business, so showcasing it in the right way and what talent we have in the Humber is essential.

 “There was a lot of optimism and enthusiasm on display at the awards last year and I hope the 2013 event will again allow this to shine through.”

There are 10 categories to choose from and submissions close on January 21.

After this date, a panel of independent judges – drawn from the renewables industry and local business community – will produce a shortlist of finalists and decide the winners.

The finalists will be invited to a celebration dinner at The Deep, Hull, on March 1, where the winners will be announced.

[mappress]

Press release, January 16, 2013