A panel of international experts will share their perspectives on offshore renewable energy at the launch of a new UK-wide initiative at the University of Plymouth.
Aimed at identifying academic research synergies across wave, wind and tidal renewables, delegates will have the opportunity to discuss how research outputs can be shared more effectively for collective benefit.
The event will mark the launch of the Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub, a four-year project led by the University of Plymouth and funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s (EPSRC).
It is free to attend and is for industry, public sector and academic professionals working in wind, wave and tidal offshore renewables.
Confirmed speakers at the event, taking place on Tuesday 22 January, include:
- Una Brosnan, Business & Strategy Development Manager at Atkins, brings her expertise in engineering infrastructure and the commercial outlook for developing floating offshore wind;
- Hongda Shi – Professor of Ocean Engineering and Dean of College of Engineering, Ocean University of China represents the academic sector as a senior research specialist in Marine Renewables, Coastal Hydrodynamics, Harbour, Channel and Coastal Engineering;
- Marie Berthelot – Head of Renewables, EDF Energy, will share the essential perspective of commercial energy suppliers and future energy markets;
- Will Apps – Head of Energy Development at The Crown Estate, brings a unique viewpoint from the business that manages seabed and the rights to develop renewable energy in the waters off England, Wales and Northern Ireland;
- Jeremy Thake – Head of Engineering at Atlantis Resources will contribute his insight into the development of the MeyGen tidal-stream project.
A panel discussion chaired by Si Dilks, Head of Nuclear & Renewable Innovation at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, will follow, giving delegates the opportunity to expand and explore ideas for how research could be of wider benefit.
Hub Director Professor Deborah Greaves OBE, Head of the University’s School of Engineering, said:
"We’re thrilled to have such an impressive line-up of guest speakers for our first event. We’re looking forward to developing an approach from the academic sector that harnesses ground breaking and cross-cutting research across ORE disciplines, and shares them more effectively with colleagues across all ORE Sectors.”
