The independent body which advises the Government on environmental issues, Natural England, and the trade association representing wind, wave and tidal energy, RenewableUK, are holding a joint Offshore Wind Industry Seminar – the first event of its kind.
More than 60 delegates, including offshore wind companies and representatives from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Department of Energy and Climate Change, The Crown Estate and the Marine Maritime Organisation, as well as Natural England, RenewableUK and the RTN (Renewables Training Network), will be attending the 2-day seminar at Natural England’s offices in Norwich (Tues 18th-Weds 19th March).
They’ll discuss a wide range of topics covering environmental issues and questions about the way offshore wind energy projects are planned and built to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. The event will provide an opportunity for all those attending to form new working relationships by making personal contacts.
Natural England and RenewableUK are working together, holding joint surgeries to provide advice to other delegates. The RTN, the independent, industry-led body which helps workers from other sectors to make the transition into renewables, will also take part in the surgeries, helping to promote job creation.
Natural England will also be promoting its Staff Interchange Programme during the seminar, encouraging its staff to arrange short-term placements and further joint training with developer customers in order to continue to widen understanding of their business, exchanging views on their different roles and perspectives, and sharing best practice.
Dave Webster, Natural England’s Chief Executive, said: “We want to help the renewable industry succeed in developing England’s sustainable energy resources and we want to help it to do so in a way that respects the natural beauty and wildlife that we are fortunate enough to have here in this country.
RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Maf Smith, who will be speaking on the first day of the seminar, said: “This is a great opportunity for companies involved at the cutting edge of renewables to exchange ideas with a key body working to improve the environment. We’re particularly glad to see that Natural England recognises that the offshore wind sector has a crucial role to play in helping to tackle climate change, as well as supporting local communities by creating new green-collar jobs.
Press release, March 17, 2014; Image: flickr