Spotlight 2024

We recently had the pleasure of attending the UK Offshore Wind Supply Chain Spotlight event in London, a gathering that emphasised collaboration and showcased new technologies and which drew a diverse group of delegates primarily from the top levels of the supply chain, including developers, operators, financiers, and certifiers.

Exhibitors represented various sectors within the supply chain, while speakers from different groups contributed to four engaging panel and keynote sessions, and its ‘pop-up’ style encouraged attendees to network during designated times and attend keynotes collectively.

Key interactions and insights

Our team had the opportunity to engage in meaningful interactions with several key players in the industry. We had productive discussions with experts in remote monitoring technology, gaining valuable insights into their advanced subject matter knowledge. These exchanges highlighted the strengths of their technology in meeting evolving customer needs.

During a panel session, we explored the potential for developing a domestic bearing capability for the offshore wind market. This idea, which aims to introduce next-generation bearings to address scale and weight challenges, could significantly impact the industry. We look forward to further discussions on this exciting prospect.

In addition, we had a brief but valuable meeting with a leading figure in offshore wind technology. Although time was limited, we managed to discuss objectives related to wind farm optimisation and align our goals with industry needs. This interaction underscored the importance of clear business cases and documented case studies in driving technology adoption such as the use of advanced load monitoring techniques to reduce maintenance time, demonstrating tangible reductions to operators’ O&M costs.

Networking and future collaborations

We also connected with various companies interested in expanding their projects and exploring new opportunities. These interactions opened the door to potential collaborations and follow-up visits to discuss capabilities and next steps. The enthusiasm and interest shown by these companies demonstrate the event's success in facilitating productive connections.

The event, organised by the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership, provided significant value through networking opportunities, insightful discussions, and the exchange of ideas. Although there were challenges in balancing conference sessions and meetings, the overall experience was enriching. Our team was able to update product strategy requirements, agree on next steps for research, and gain valuable feedback from industry peers. The Spotlight event in London reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving industry advancements. We are excited about the potential opportunities that emerged and look forward to leveraging these insights to enhance our offerings and contribute to the industry's growth.