ENERGI Coast, North East England’s offshore wind cluster, has announced Kwasi Kwarteng MP will make an address during the opening session at Offshore Wind North East 2020, which will take place over two days between Thursday 5 and 6 November.

Billed as the place where the offshore wind sector meets to network and do business, the conference and exhibition, which will be held virtually, will cover key themes, which include energy transition and the role of offshore wind, the future of the floating market, innovation and global offshore wind markets.

There will also be sessions focused on North East England Offshore Wind Projects, Dogger Bank Wind Farm and Sofia Offshore Wind Farm.

Speaking at the event, the Energy Minister is set to reaffirm the UK government’s commitment to offshore wind after the announcement by the Prime Minister to invest £160m in ports and facilities in support of the sector and highlight the importance of British companies in helping to deliver the ambitions within the UK offshore wind sector deal.

Offshore Wind North East, which is sponsored by Strategic Event Partners Dogger Bank Wind Farm and Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, along with Regional Event Partners, Invest North East England and Invest Tees Valley, will also provide a platform for the region’s supply chain with an online exhibition area showcasing the expertise, products and capabilities of a wide variety of companies and organisations.

James Ritchie, Chair of Energi Coast, said: “This will be the first time that the Offshore Wind Conference will be held as a virtual event, and it comes at a particularly exciting time for the Offshore Wind industry in the region.

“We welcome the Government’s commitment to the industry, and the recent announcement by the Prime Minister demonstrates the importance of offshore wind to the UK’s energy requirements. North East England is fully equipped to support the growth of the industry and play an instrumental role in the UK’s green recovery and net zero ambitions. We have the experience, expertise and track record to support current and future projects, which will be highly evident at Offshore Wind North East.”

Steve Wilson, Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s Project Director at SSE Renewables, said: “Dogger Bank Wind Farm and our appointed tier 1 contractors are committed to supporting the development and growth of a competitive supply chain, particularly from UK-based suppliers.

“Offshore Wind North East is a great chance for companies in the offshore wind sector to meet and discuss opportunities in order to take advantage of this rapidly-growing sector. We’re building the largest offshore wind farm in the world and by supporting this event we can help small, medium and large-scale businesses to both compete in the UK market and potentially become global leaders in offshore wind too.”

Sofia’s Project Director David Few said: “We are once again a Strategic Event Partner for OWNE2020 as it provides a great platform for RWE Renewables to signpost our projects and highlight opportunities, while bringing together suppliers from across the offshore wind supply chain and creating a lively marketplace for the whole sector. This is why we, in Sofia, see significant value in ensuring we have a strong presence and visibility.

“The world of virtual events is evolving but right now, when meeting face-to-face is just not possible, OWNE2020 will play a vital role in helping to keep our industry, particularly in the North East, connected and thriving.”