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Marine energy industries to pool knowledge at Inverness conference

A major conference to be held in Inverness this month will bring together experts from marine energy industries. The Common Water-Common Ground event will encourage people from different offshore sectors to share knowledge. Attendees will include representatives from the oil and gas industry and those from the emerging renewables market.

Organised by the University of Highlands & Islands' Energy Research Group, the conference will be the first of its kind in the region. Up to 200 delegates are expected to attend the two-day event which takes place at the Drumossie Hotel on 30 and 31 May.

Conference organiser, Mike Weston of UHI’s Energy Research Group, explains the rationale behind the event:

“There is a lot of common ground between the skills and knowledge needed to develop marine renewable installations and those which are currently used in the oil and gas sector. Companies entering the renewables sector can learn from established offshore operators and there are huge opportunities for supply chain businesses to get involved with emerging technologies. There are also significant issues to be addressed, not least ensuring our region has the skills and infrastructure needed for anticipated renewable activity.

“The Common Water-Common Ground conference will explore these topics and provide information to businesses interested in technological innovation or diversifying into new sectors. Delegates will get the chance to meet decision makers and learn about new developments.”

Industry experts confirmed to speak at the event include chief executive of Marine Current Turbines, Dr Andrew Tyler, and Global Energy director, Douglas Yule. The sessions will address a range of subjects including innovation, finance, skills, environmental factors, legislation and collaboration. There will also be an exhibition where organisations can book display space for one or both days.

To find out how your organisation can get involved with the Common Water-Common Ground conference programme, email contact@cw-cg.org.

Delegates can book a place at online at www.cw-cg.org, by email or by calling freephone 0800 032 8080. Tickets are £95 which includes attendance at all sessions, fringe events and the conference dinner on Wednesday 30 May.

Photo: Andrew Dowsett Onshore Turbines - © iStockphoto.com/ Hans Martens

For more information, contact Susan Szymborski UHI Communications officer on tel: 01463 279222 or by email