Technology innovation and research centre to create dozens more jobs
A UK technology, innovation and research centre for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy has announced ambitious expansion plans in the Humber.
The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult confirmed this includes a commitment to open a base of operations in Grimsby and create 50 to 70 jobs in the region in the next 10 years.
The Catapult is already an active member of Aura. This is a regional partnership of industry and academic organisations focused on driving forward the growth of the UK’s offshore wind sector.
It collaborates with the University of Hull as part of the Operations & Maintenance Centre of Excellence to develop research and innovation projects designed to improve the way that offshore wind farms are operated and maintained.
Ben George, former director of Aura, has been appointed as the Catapult’s General Manager in the Humber. He will lead the organisation’s growth in the region as it looks to build on and strengthen its existing relationships with Aura, and its partners, by expanding both its presence and portfolio of offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M) projects.
With a portfolio of 70 O&M projects, the Catapult has explained that it is aligning its activities with regional and national priorities and supporting the emerging Humber Offshore Wind Cluster.
Chris Hill, operational performance director for ORE Catapult, said: “The Humber, with its energy heritage, location, and extensive experience of servicing offshore wind farms, has quickly established itself as the UK’s centre of excellence in operating and maintaining the existing UK offshore wind fleet.
“The Humber’s O&M cluster includes Ørsted’s expanding East Coast Hub, Innogy’s planned base for Triton Knoll, and suppliers including CWind, James Fisher and Rix Sea Shuttles. This is supported by expertise in the wider Humber area, including Aura and the University of Hull.
“Therefore, it makes it the ideal location from which the Catapult can continue and expand its technology innovation and research activities, working with industry and academia to ensure the UK remains a world-leader in the global offshore wind sector.”
He added that O&M activities make up almost a quarter of the lifetime costs of an offshore wind project.
