RenewableUK, Seastar Take Over Norstec’s Workstreams

Norstec, the network for offshore renewables in northern Europe, will today hand over its three main workstreams to other organisations as part of a restructuring of industry networks.

The Norstec Academy, which was launched in 2014 and saw 20 higher education students win tours of the UK offshore wind industry, will now be housed within RenewableUK and rebranded as the Offshore Wind Academy.

The northern European industrial network side of Norstec will be taken forward by Seastar, a pan-European offshore wind industrial alliance aimed at strengthening regional cooperation between EU institutions, member states and the offshore wind industry.

Finally, the public-facing communications role of Norstec has found its natural home within the Offshore Wind Programme Board, supported by RenewableUK’s communication efforts.

Julian Brown, Chairman of Norstec and RenewableUK, and Co-founder of Aarufield, said: “Norstec was launched as an industry-led vehicle to promote the industrial and economic opportunities of offshore renewables in the northern seas of Europe. Since then considerable success has been achieved in raising awareness of our industry by focusing on engaging with young people aspiring to enter the workplace, working with our continental colleagues, and building understanding of the industry among the public.. Now that these individual initiatives have found long term homes Norstec can be wound down in the knowledge of a job well done.”

Adam Bruce, Global Head of Corporate Affairs at Mainstream Renewable Power said: “Having been involved in Norstec from its inception, and being both Chair of the Seastar Industrial Alliance and Co-Chair of the Offshore Wind Programme Board, I am delighted to see the forward momentum demonstrated today. RenewableUK is undoubtedly the right home for the Offshore Wind Academy, and the drive and industry goodwill behind Norstec will help to propel the work of OWPB and Seastar forward. This is a very positive and productive step for the offshore wind industry.”

Image: Norstec Academy