Links with Scandinavia present opportunities – Pick

NORWEGIAN businesses have been encouraged to partner Humber-based companies to secure work in the UK’s offshore wind market.

Renewable energy expert Sam Pick has promoted the region’s potential and highlighted the readiness of its businesses to join Scandinavian firms in forming the industry’s emerging supply chain.

Speaking at a major offshore wind power conference in Norway, Mr Pick, of the Humber-based Renewables Network, said hundreds of jobs could be created if more companies on both sides of the North Sea forged joint ventures.

Mr Pick, the business development director of the Renewables Network, said: “The scale of the opportunity presented by offshore wind energy means there is a vital need for companies to consider joining forces and become better suppliers to the industry.

“Often, Scandinavian-based companies have proven expertise in marine renewables. And UK companies have a geographical advantage when it comes working on the huge, round three, wind farm zones proposed for the North Sea – just 12 hours’ sailing time from the Humber estuary.

“So, it makes sense that stronger links are forged between Scandinavia and the Humber, allowing joint ventures to present bolder pitches to the industry’s biggest players.”

Mr Pick spoke at the Offshore Wind Supply Chain Conference in Oslo, arranged by INTPOW, a non-profit organisation set up by the Norwegian authorities and the country’s renewable industry.

He added: “There is a huge amount of enthusiasm in Norway, as elsewhere in Scandinavia, to explore opportunities in the Humber – which is good for potential new jobs and investment.

“This can help cut costs, especially as offshore wind comes under pressure to meet the rates set by oil and gas. Businesses in the Humber are used to working in a competitive environment and, as such, have a real advantage in the sector as it looks to reduce costs.”