The Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Business Network for Offshore Wind (the Network) in the United States.
The agreement, which was signed at the International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum (IPF) in Princeton on Wednesday (April 4), will see the organisations collaborate in pursuit of mutual commercial, strategic and policy interests in promoting the offshore wind industry in the U.S. and the UK.
Jean Morrison, chair of AREG said: “We know there is a drive in the U.S. to increase activity in offshore wind which means exciting business opportunities for U.S. and UK companies to work together to deliver these ambitions. With Scotland a leader in renewable energy, AREG is well placed to provide the skills and expertise required and I’m sure this partnership with the Network will bring huge benefits to businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.”
“We are thrilled to be teaming up with the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group, which has done so much to make the UK an international leader in offshore wind,” added Liz Burdock, Executive Director of the Network. “We look forward to working closely with the AREG team on offshore wind supply chains, workforce development, and floating turbines, to name just a few of the opportunities we have for sharing and collaboration in both countries.”
Speaking from the Offshore Wind Partnering Forum, the Scottish Government’s Economy Secretary Keith Brown MSP said: “Scotland has huge offshore wind potential and some very exciting and innovative developments already taking place.
“With global offshore wind expenditure expected to reach £210 billion in the next decade, this partnership offers fantastic potential for the Scottish supply chain to strengthen its presence in international markets and take full advantage of the growing export opportunity within the sector.”
The Network and AREG will work together to develop strategies, share access to government and business leaders in the U.S. and UK, advocate for international partnerships, and shape offshore wind policy in the two countries. Some specific actions could include the following:
- Host delegations (strategic / policy / trade) from each other’s memberships and networks to further objectives around learning and commercial opportunities
- Attend each other’s promotional activity and events / conferences, where practical to do so. ‘Virtual’ attendance via video-conferencing will also be considered
- Facilitate introductions to networks and other international contacts in the sector
- Participate in quarterly conference calls to update each other’s organisations on latest project commitments and strategic developments, including on renewables / wind policy
This MOU will run for three years, at which point a joint review will be undertaken by the directors into its effectiveness in achieving its objectives.
About the Business Network for Offshore Wind
The Business Network for Offshore Wind is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing an offshore wind supply chain in the United States. The Network is focused on delivering education, creating partnerships and advancing the industry. All membership and event proceeds are invested back into supporting the industry by helping the Network continue programmatic education and develop the tools and networks necessary to create a U.S. offshore wind supply chain. The Network hosts the annual International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum (IPF) (www.2018ipf.com), the leading technical conference for offshore wind in the United States dedicated to moving the industry forward.
About AREG
Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) works on behalf of its members to promote the capabilities of companies and organisations in the North East of Scotland and around the UK in the renewable energy sector, and to assist them in accessing new opportunities in this field. AREG also plays a key role in developing a sustainable renewable energy sector in Scotland and the UK through supporting our unrivalled membership network and attracting investment.
