News Article

NOF Energy, the business development organisation for the oil, gas and energy sectors, has partnered with the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) to hold a site ‘open day’ in Blyth, Northumberland for businesses working in the oil and gas sector, and who may be looking to enter the renewables market.

Taking place on 21 January, delegates will be taken on a guided tour of NaREC’s marine testing centre which supports the deployment of equipment for the oil and gas industry; and assists in the development of technology for the emerging renewable energy sector. 

Industry and technical experts from NaREC will give an insight into the latest developments and opportunities in the offshore wind, wave and tidal energy sectors, and those taking part will be allowed the opportunity to discuss further the future challenges facing the subsea sector, which makes a major contribution to the North East economy. 

Joanne Leng, Director Business Development at NOF Energy said: “The North East oil and gas supply chain plays a significant role in the regional economy. There is undoubtedly potential for these businesses to also benefit from the emerging renewable energy market as skills and technologies from the oil and gas sector are transferable.

“This awareness raising event will help the supply chain understand how their products and services can be used in this sector. It will also show how NaREC can assist in the development of new technologies and subsequent testing.”
Stephen Wilson, Director of Wind and Marine, from NaREC, said: “We are very pleased to be given this opportunity to show off our unique capability, and share our understanding of the emerging market for offshore renewables with NOF Energy members.

“It is well documented that oil and gas is becoming more and more difficult to extract in the North Sea, and NaREC’s marine test centre provides the ideal controlled environment to test new equipment and try out new methods before they are deployed in the field. 

“Furthermore, the opportunities for businesses looking to transfer their experiences of working in the harsh offshore oil and gas environment to enter the market for offshore wind, wave and tidal generation are massive.  If the UK is to meet its’ obligation and generate 20 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2020 then much of this energy will need to come from sources offshore.”