Expressions of interest have opened for innovative companies based in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex to take part in an industry-backed catalyst project – Connect – designed to reduce risk and support the development of new products and services for the UK’s offshore renewable energy sector in the region.
Interested companies can register an Expression of Interest from today (23 September) until the deadline of 31 October.
The East of England is one of the UK’s largest offshore renewable energy hubs and this project, delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, will help local companies to tap into the huge economic potential offered by the future expansion of offshore wind. To be eligible to apply, companies must have a registered office in Norfolk, Suffolk, or Essex, and be interested in developing disruptive technologies targeting the industry.
The six-month Connect project will engage with 30+ regionally-based companies through a series of training workshops, pitch sessions, and bespoke support to deliver derisking advice and support, to encourage supply chain growth through collaboration and innovation de-risking. Connect will also highlight available sources of innovation funding. Training workshops will take place in November in Harwich, Lowestoft, and Norwich.
Project sponsors include major industry players Equinor and ScottishPower Renewables with additional support from Essex County Council, Suffolk County Council and Norfolk County Council. Sponsoring partners will provide key input into bespoke training sessions which will reflect market innovation requirements. Connect will also benefit from links to regional research organisations to develop an anchored research and development programme.
Imogen Stevenson, Innovation Manager – East of England at ORE Catapult, said: “The East of England is home to a wealth of innovation, and companies operating in the region’s successful offshore energy sector have forged an enviable reputation for excellence and specialist expertise focused on supporting the offshore wind industry locally, nationally, and internationally.
“We are delighted that our partners have chosen to collaborate with us and support this latest addition to ORE Catapult’s portfolio of supply chain support in the region. Our drive to accelerate early stage disruptive innovations which can address the challenges facing the offshore renewables sector benefits enormously from their commitment.”
Sophie Skipp, Principal Stakeholder Manager, Equinor said: “The Connect Programme is a fantastic opportunity for companies already in the offshore renewable energy supply chain, or who aspire to be. Equinor is long established in Norfolk operating the Dudgeon and Sheringham Shoal offshore wind farms. With the upcoming extensions to these two windfarms, operated from Great Yarmouth, Connect supports our ambition to further develop our local supply chain. Alongside other developers from the EastWind network, our collective investment ensures an ambitious scale of support from the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.
“Why invest in the East of England? The region is an offshore wind energy hub with a continued pipeline of projects, providing jobs and benefits to the wider community. Localising Connect within in the East of England, is a great benefit for our region.”
David Singer, Supply Chain Strategy Manager, ScottishPower Renewables said: “We’re happy to sponsor the Connect project to unlock opportunities for supply chain companies, which reinforces our commitment to regional investment. This project will engage and connect the complete ecosystem of innovators leading to big benefits for the offshore renewables sector.”
Expressions of Interest are open from today, (Monday, 23 September 2024) and can be submitted until the closing deadline of 31 October 2024.
An initial briefing webinar, in partnership with the East Wind cluster, will take place on Wednesday, 26 September followed by a ‘How to Sign up’ webinar week commencing Monday 7 October.
Click here to sign up for the 26th September webinar, and click here to sign up for the 8 October webinar.
Source: Catapult
