Humber local authorities region’s renewables credentials

A body representing Humber renewable energy business is representing the region at a UK industry conference in Birmingham - aiming to sell the region to potential investors.

The Humber Renewables partnership, set up by the Humber LEP, is exhibiting this week at the Renewable UK exhibition and conference in Birmingham.

The partnership, which brings together inward investment officers from the four local authorities – Hull, East Riding, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire - together with the Humber LEP aims to communicate the Humber’s strong offshore-wind and renewables offer to businesses who could invest in the area.

Joined by ABP, GBA Group, HETA (Humberside Engineering Training Association), P&O, MRT (Marine Rescue Technologies), Tata Steel and Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises, WindPower Support, Dalby Offshore and Rix Seashuttle the Humber Renewables stand will aim to generate leads for their businesses and the Humber area.

As part of this the team is hosting networking event with local ale and crisps at 4pm today (Wednesday November 6) where Duncan Clark, programme director for Westermost Rough at DONG Energy will talk to those attending on why they invested in the Humber.

Back in August when Dong Energy were awarded £1.1m from the £30m Regional Growth Fund Growing the Humber programme, to aid the firm’s £11.5m plan to establish their offshore engineering and operations and maintenance bases at the Port of Grimsby and the Royal Dock, Duncan said: “This project is our first in Grimsby and we’re looking forward to working with the Council, Humber Local Enterprise Partnership and the community in Grimsby as we move forward with our plans to build our base here and use the grant to further increase our investment in the area.”

The event is one of a small number of exhibitions and international conferences selected to have a Humber Renewables presence, including the All Energy event in Aberdeen in May, and the Offshore Wind conference and exhibition in Glasgow in June 2014, to share good practice and attract investment to the Humber region linked to renewables and in particular off-shore wind.

Humber LEP Manager Richard Kendall said: “We have made some useful contacts with interested parties at previous events and we are hoping to replicate this success at our stand at Renewable UK and at a small number of future events.

“We have carefully selected a small number of national and international conferences to communicate the Humber Renewables offer and make key contacts over the next 18 months.

“Having an endorsement from Danish energy giant Dong Energy on why they invested in the Humber is something we hope will create even more interest in the Humber at the event.”