If the quality of a conference is measured by the number of one-to-one interactions, Offshore Wind North East is up there with the best. From entering the foyer at the Beacon of Light in Sunderland at 08:30 on Day 1 to making it to the exhibition floor took me nearly one hour! I counted six meaningful discussions with fellow offshore wind professionals and several where a raised hand and/or a nod were sufficient to say, ‘hello’. Renewing acquaintances is both refreshing and motivating.
The tone was set for what turned out to be a packed two days of presentations, updates, insights, discussions and demonstrations of the fantastic progress underway in the North East of England in advancing this global juggernaut.
With over 800 in attendance, it is clear that the offshore wind industry is not only a major employer in the region, but also a strategic pillar which differentiates us globally. Regionally, the industry has had a major unification effect, with partnerships and interactions up and down the East Coast, cemented under the Energi Coast banner of NOF.
The North East supply chain continues to strengthen, with innovation at its heart. One of the stand-out features of this year’s show was the presence of Kim McGuiness, Mayor of the North East Combined Authority as she spent time with the cohort of the TIGGOR programme – a true manifestation of the innovation and entrepreneurial DNA running through the region. In Pulcea, Kinewell, Acuity Robotics and SMD, for example, TIGGOR is supporting four companies that span the offshore wind value chain seeking to de-risk the sector and improve efficiencies. ‘Technology with purpose’ will continue to be the watchwords as the industry moves into deeper waters where floating offshore wind will present more complexity and, with it, new challenges. Our region seems ready, willing and able to address these challenges head-on through the development of innovative products and services underpinned by world-class universities and, of course, our regional gems - the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Energy Central and our industry-leading ports.
This year, it was particularly rewarding to see new faces on stage chairing or presenting. The rising stars are starting to shine, none more so than Rebecca Storey of CFB Risk Management in Hartlepool and Elizabeth Waterman of PDL in Hexham, now a Board member of NOF, both most definitely fixtures at future OWNE events. As a region we need to support our talent to flourish, both to provide meaningful career paths and to retain such talent locally given the competitive global market open to high-quality people. OWNE gives such talent a platform on which to blossom.
All good shows have a good conference dinner, and OWNE 2024 was no different. The packed function room at the Stadium of Light enjoyed a hearty repast, further intense networking and chalices raised to a very successful OWNE 2024. Indeed, it was pleasing to see exhibitors filing past the NOF reception area to book their stands for OWNE 2025. See you there!