Supply Chain Workshop
NaREC generously hosted the BWEA half day Workshop at The Drumossie Hotel in Bath on 11th November 2009.
BWEA have directly addressed the supply chain issue through the appointment of a supply chain officer, Rhys Thomas can be contacted on 020 7901 3029 or via email r.thomas@renewable-uk.com.
The second BWEA Marine Renewables supply chain event was run in conjunction with Scottish Renewables and sponsored by NaREC.
Over 100 delegates attended the event discussed specific Marine Renewable industry supply chain topics which had been highlighted from the previous BWEA and NaREC supply chain event on the 11th November 2009. These included:
- Blade Design
- Minimisation of environmental impact
- Subsea deployment techniques
- Specialist deployment vessels
- Project Management
- Wet electrical connectors
- H&S and training
- Design for increased reliability
Overview presentations were provided by the following organisations:
The full report is available here.
Conclusions
Knowledge Sharing
The development of an online data store and report data base would provide up-to-date knowledge, allowing information on best practice needs and environmental reports to be shared where possible.
Continued Engagement
Engagement is required with other sectors (especially oil & gas) to provide transfer of knowledge and skills.
Government Funding
There is a continued need for the UK Government to provide funding to the marine renewables industry as the current economic climate prevents the industry from accessing Venture Capital. Funds should also be provided to stimulate areas of the supply chain that will help to drive down the cost of energy.
The Energy Generation and Supply Knowledge Transfer Network (EGS KTN)
The EGS KTN provides an excellent opportunity to liaise with other industries and facility development of the marine renewables industry. Maximum use should be made of this potential to engage all levels of the supply chain.
UK Retention
Currently the UK has the capabilities to develop and maintain the majority of the marine renewables industry supply chain, allowing UK plc to achieve huge economic rewards. However this will require active industry facilitation and future government funding.
Future Events
Consistent messaging was given for BWEA to hold future events and provide messaging to government. However additional time and focus should be provided to the individual subject areas; to allow more in-depth analysis and conclusions to be developed. Industry experts should also be identified prior to meetings and invited where relevant.
Strong Messaging
BWEA should continue is effective messaging to Government and other relevant parties, providing the unified voice of the industry.
Overall the event was perceived as positive and provides a platform for future focussed events.
BWEA would like to thank all those that participated.
Although we have taken best care to ensure the accuracy of these notes, please inform us if you feel any alterations are required to this page of the final report.
Contact:
Oliver Wragg, BWEA Wave and Tidal Development Manager
Email:
o.wragg@renewable-uk.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 7901 3000.
Supported by the Society for Underwater Technology
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