Offshore Wind Developers to Address Supply Chain

Leading offshore wind developers are to give the supply chain a vital insight into new business opportunities as part of a pioneering initiative being held this month (January) at one of the industry’s flagship annual conferences.

The Supply Chain Share Fair is one of the key events showcasing at Scottish Renewables’ Offshore Wind & Supply Chain conference, exhibition and dinner at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) on January 28 and 29.

Featuring a series of developer presentations and one-to-one meetings, the Share Fair aims to give supply chain companies information focused on forward project plans, business opportunities, procurement processes and key contacts.

Among industry heavyweights participating at this year’s event are AREVA, Mainstream Renewable Power, DNV GL, EDPR, Global Energy, Babcock and Statoil.

Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG), in partnership with Scottish Renewables and Scottish Enterprise, developed the innovative Share Fair which was successfully introduced at last year’s Scottish Renewables Offshore Wind & Supply Chain conference and exhibition to much critical acclaim.

Morag McCorkindale, chief operating officer at AREG, said: “The Share Fair offers an invaluable platform for the supply chain to engage with key players in the global offshore wind market and learn how to work with them to win future business. It is also aimed at accelerating the growth of the industry’s supply chain.

“Aberdeen City and Shire is the ideal home for the event and Scottish Renewables conference because it has become a leading and dominant, international force in offshore wind. The region is punching above its weight in renewables investment and, through its world-class offshore oil and gas expertise and existing supply chain mass, it is making a crucial contribution to developing that of offshore wind.”

Lindsay Leask, senior policy manager at Scottish Renewables, said: “Collaboration and contacts are key in any industry, and particularly so when opportunities arise as quickly as they do in Scotland’s growing offshore wind sector.

“The Supply Chain Share Fair gives suppliers to the offshore wind industry the necessary tools to succeed with business planning, as well as acting as a vehicle for major contractors and operators to discuss their supply chain requirements going forward. Previous events have been popular with those attending, and with delegate numbers for this year’s Offshore Wind & Supply Chain conference still growing, we expect 2014 to be no exception.”

Seonaid Vass, director of renewable and low carbon technologies at Scottish Enterprise, said: “The offshore wind industry offers huge opportunities for Scotland and this event is a great way of bringing supply chain businesses together to hear first-hand of the future projects and plans in the area, and to network with key industry contacts.

“It is a unique opportunity for Scottish companies to develop an early lead in the offshore wind market.”

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Press release, January 20, 2014; Image: bigpartnership