The East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) will launch a new Offshore Wind Supply Chain special interest group (SIG) on Wednesday, 19 October, during a reception at Westminster.
The Offshore Wind Supply Chain is expected to ensure that the region benefits from the investments in offshore wind, with its first steering group meeting, chaired by 3sun Group Chief Executive Graham Hacon, scheduled for next month, EEEGR said.
The launch of the OW SIG is part of an event which will see a 200-strong delegation from the East of England’s energy sector converge on Westminster to discuss the region’s role to the UK’s future energy security.
Industry leaders will join representatives from companies, organisations and colleges serving the oil & gas, offshore wind and nuclear industries to meet the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Greg Clark MP and Minister of State for Energy and Intellectual Property Baroness Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG.
They will put the case that the East of England is crucial for keeping the UK lit and warm for decades because of its diverse mix of essential energy sectors at a reception in the House of Commons.
The event is organised by the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) through the offices of Brandon Lewis MP and supported by fellow local MPs Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney, and Therese Coffey, MP for Suffolk Coastal.
Simon Gray, EEEGR Chief Executive, said the vital role the east of England plays in the nation’s energy supply and its potential should not be under-estimated.
“With the targeted reduction of carbon emissions and a goal to stop burning coal by 2025, the East of England is prepared for the strategic role it will play in government plans for future energy production,” Gray said.
“Our special blend of offshore wind, nuclear and continued exploration and development of gas can provide the lower carbon key for a secure energy economy for generations to come. With more than 50 years’ offshore expertise and heritage and an innovative and robust supply chain serving the most diverse range of energy in the UK, the East of England should not be overlooked as the region most critical to the nation’s future energy security.”
Project updates will be given by industry leaders from EDF Energy about Sizewell C, ScottishPower Renewables about the East Anglia ONE offshore wind farm and ENGIE, formerly GDF Suez, about the Cygnus project, the biggest new gas field discovered in the North Sea for 25 years, which expects its first gas to flow into Bacton soon.