East Anglia could become an offshore wind 'superpower' but the industry is facing a 'skills crisis' and needs to quickly train more workers.
This was the message on the first day of the East of England Energy Group’s (EEEGR) Southern North Sea Conference and Exhibition – SNS 2023.
Some of the energy industry's biggest names were speaking at the Norfolk Showground in Norwich on Wednesday (May 24).
Martin Dronfeld, EEEGR chairman, said the East of England is leading the way in support of the UK's increasing energy needs.
"By 2030, one third of all UK energy will come from or through our region," he said.
He said the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is a challenge and a huge opportunity.
"This region will be the energy production capital of the UK," he added.
READ MORE: Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone takes another step forward
Charlie Jordan, CEO of Scottish Power Renewables, said that East Anglia should be leading the way in regard to decarbonisation.
This transition needed to be "accelerated" and for this to happen the industry needs a skilled workforce, he said.
READ MORE: Details revealed of when work for major Norfolk wind farms will start
Rob Anderson, project director of the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone, said: "Every year the buzz at this conference grows.
"The vision is for the region to become a superpower of offshore wind."
Vattenfall, the firm behind the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone, is also hosting a ‘meet the buyer’ area at the event where contractors are exhibiting alongside the offshore wind developer to promote supply chain opportunities on the projects.
READ MORE: How will Norfolk benefit from fast-growing renewable energy sector?
Rachel Bunn, director of commercial and community projects at East Coast College, said: "There is a skills crisis. No-one can get enough people."
The college has an energy training academy where students learn technical skills in the energy, engineering, maritime and offshore industries.
Armed forces veterans and former oil and gas workers can be retrained to work in the renewables industry, she said.
The two-day conference continues on Thursday (May 25).
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