Research Festival 2021. Coast lab. Offshore renewable energy day event

This event took place on 1 July 2021.

Offshore renewable energy (ORE) is key to achieving the transition away from fossil fuels and reduce our current greenhouse gas emissions. The UK is leading critical advancements in capturing wave, tidal and offshore wind energy, but more development is needed to convert energy from these natural elements into usable power for our communities.

With the eyes of the world on the UK ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (also known as COP26), attendees discovered how the University of Plymouth is contributing to the UK being at the forefront of the development, adoption and export of ORE technologies.

The South West is home to unique natural assets and a wealth of existing expertise in emerging ORE technologies. The region draws from a rich heritage of marine and maritime expertise to maintain its powerful track record as a hub for research and development in these fields.

The University of Plymouth’s leading researchers and cutting-edge facilities are well-placed to advance the UK’s capability in offshore renewable energy (ORE). We are carrying out vital research to help accelerate the development of wave, tidal and offshore wind technologies nationally and internationally, for the betterment of the whole energy system and in consideration of the marine ecosystems. Our work also has a major impact on the economy and job creation, both nationally and regionally as the roll-out of Floating Wind begins off the South West coast.

This online workshop allowed attendees to:

  • hear updates and future plans about the latest ORE research projects at the University of Plymouth, and opportunities for involvement
  • discuss how the UK can continue to lead research and innovation in ORE, building relationships for future research through themed networking and breakout sessions
  • join a virtual showcase of offshore renewable energy facilities at the University of Plymouth.

Who was this event for?
This event was of most interest to those who research, study or work in sectors related to offshore renewable energy; energy supply and management; engineering; marine technology, autonomy and robotics; policy; research funding. This event was organised by the University of Plymouth and the Supergen ORE Hub.

 

Morning programme

09:15 | Welcome by Professor Deborah Greaves OBE

09:30 | Showcasing ORE projects at the University of Plymouth – 10 minute quick-fire presentations

Chaired by Professor Melanie Austen, Professor of Ocean and Society at the University of Plymouth.

10:20 | Audience Q&A – your opportunity to ask more about the projects

11.00 | Lunch break

Afternoon programme

Session 1: Building collaborations with the University of Plymouth

12:30 | The benefits of engaging with the University of Plymouth for collaborative ORE research by Kevin Forshaw, Director of Industrial and Strategic Partnerships

12:45 | How you can engage with us: collaborative projects and study

Studying new MSc courses in ORE at the University of Plymouth:

13:25 | Q&A and panel session – the national and regional role of offshore renewable energy in delivering net zero.

14:00 | Break

Session 2: Facilities showcase with audience Q&A

14:15 | COAST Laboratory and UK Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Test Facility (UKFOWT) with Dr Martyn Hann and Professor Deborah Greaves OBE

14:45 | USV CETUS with Steve Rice and Alex Whatley

15:15 | Ship Simulator with Tom Crichton

15:45 | Summary and conclusion

Our speakers

World no.1 for marine impact 

We are ranked first out of 379 institutions worldwide against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal number 14: life below water 2021.
The award recognises the outstanding quality of our international marine research and teaching, as well as our efforts to reduce the impact of campus activities on the marine environment. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Time Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021
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