The challenges of delivering renewable energy projects - using examples of offshore wind

Delivering Renewable Energy projects, especially those in an off-shore location has been with us for a number of years. Whilst not just limiting this to Wind Farms specifically, there are a number of options that exist which need to be analysed in order to allow the 2020 Carbon Reduction Targets and Vision of Zero Carbon to be achieved. The current energy policy appears not to acknowledge key issues of affordability and funding for renewable energy projects, and yet the scale of wind farms in particular provides new challenges for engineering and financing. Through the direction of the Chair for the Event, we will see a strong holistic approach in how the National and European suppliers are exploring off-shore resources specifically how the “Source to Customer” issue is being addressed. We will hear from the Chair of the HSE how they intend to set the fundamentals of Policy and Strategy for Safety, this will provide the foundation for all that follows and underpin with a positive intent the way that these types of projects are delivered. Following this, we look again to government through DECC to share current thoughts on the Strategy for Financing and to outline the commercial opportunities that we know are currently being pursued. Pivotal will be the Policy and Strategy for Integration of the new ‘Super Grid’ with the existing National Grid and the author and developer of that Strategy will share his thoughts. Implementation of these projects, both from a technical and commercial viability standpoint is crucial and key messages will be shared to inform the overall analysis and discussion set against the Policies and Strategies that are being established. Given the sheer scale of these projects (£150bn+), members from all sectors will be involved in the schemes’ development and delivery. Members will take away a very clear and valuable understanding on the current Policies and Strategies that will be in place and more specifically how they can work with this knowledge in positioning their organisations to help drive towards successful outcomes.