Overview of the Workshop

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Flora Hicks
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2 Overview of the Workshop On 3 rd and 4 th July 2014, the Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWI) carried out a workshop on Offshore Wind Energy Potentials for interregional projects. The twoday event on behalf of the Maritime Competence Center (MARIKO, Leer) was held in the premises of the Representation of the State of Lower Saxony to the European Union. A total of 30 invited participants from ten different countries, including representatives of the European Commission, discussed current and future challenges of offshore wind energy in Europe in order to jointly define fields of action for interregional cooperation projects. The two-day workshop included the following modules: Part A: Offshore wind energy the European perspective Part A of the workshop included four presentations, which addressed the status quo of offshore wind energy and provided an insight into its policy prospects. Furthermore technical and political requirements for the further development of electricity from offshore wind energy in the North Sea on an industrial scale were explained by representatives of the European Commission (Directorate General for Energy). Afterwards, framework conditions and funding schemes for renewable energy topics were presented. An approach for process creativity and proposal definition and an outlook on the project development were introduced to round off the introduction into the workshop s topic. Part B: Regional competence profiles in the field of offshore wind energy (OSW) and experiences from other projects The second part of the workshop consisted of six presentations, which were based on three sets of issues to be discussed by the representatives of the regions: 1) Regional key areas of competence related to offshore wind energy; 2) experiences from other related projects; 3) further needs for investigation and potentials for cooperation. Part C: Discussion of project ideas Part C of the workshop was targeted at jointly identifying possibilities for interregional cooperation in specific areas of OSW. It included an interactive part, which should help to identify the common interests of the regional partners by discussing the biggest challenges and needs in the field of OSW. It became apparent that taking advantage of cost reduction capabilities in OSW-related logistics is a central aspect of interest to all regions.

3 Participants There were in total 30 participants from various European countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Spain). The audience included representatives of the European Commission (EC), employees of chambers of commerce, representatives of public authorities, regional development agencies, business development organisations, port operators, research institutions and regional representations to the European Union. Programme Dr Mary Papaschinopoulou, Director of the Northern Chambers of Commerce Association (IHK Nord), acted as facilitator. Mary started by giving a short overview of the workshop programme, followed by a welcoming speech by Wulf Blumenstein, Representation of the State of Lower Saxony to the European Union. He stressed the remarkable development of renewable energies in Europe over the past years. As host of the workshop, Hauke Groeneveld, Project Manager at MARIKO, also welcomed the audience. The programme consisted of 11 presentations, followed by a joint project development session on the second day. Presentations in detail Part A: Offshore wind energy the European perspective Offshore wind energy - status quo and policy prospects. Presentation by Jasmin Battista The first one to present was Jasmin Battista, member of the Cabinet of EU Energy Commissioner Günther H. Oettinger. In her key note speech, Jasmin outlined the status quo of offshore wind energy and provided an insight into its policy prospects at a European level. She stated that Germany and UK are frontrunners in offshore wind energy, but Europe needs input from all regions, because renewable energy is a shared European issue. Jasmin pointed out that the EU needs to provide a framework for safe investments in the renewables sector (RES) in order to encourage investors. The European Commission (EC) requests a competitive energy market without obstacles and discrimination. She underlined that the North Sea Region is an important European OSW hub. At the same time, she pointed out that the North Sea Grid situation needs to be explored in more detail. By now, 8 % of the EU-wide energy consumption is covered by wind energy. The aim is to realize 15 % in Jasmin Battista added that the security of energy supplies has to be improved significantly in the future. Currently, the EU is too much dependent on imports.

4 Industrial scale offshore electricity production, interconnectors & meshed grids in the North Sea. Presentation by Brendan Devlin In a next step, Brendan Devlin, advisor at the Directorate General for Energy of the European Commission, spoke on technical and political requirements for the further development of electricity from OSW in the North Sea on an industrial scale. He raised awareness for cost reduction opportunities in various fields of electricity production and meshed grids. Brendan underlined that the EC would appreciate the creation of a forum for cost reduction in the field of OSW. One important aspect that could be discussed there is shared infrastructure, another aspect is the development of standards. Such a forum could obtain political support from the EC. Brendan Devlin (photo) explained that tremendous cost reduction potentials are present in the field of logistics optimization, discovery risks, coordinated standardization in wind turbine generator cost compression, the alignment of regulatory regimes in the North Sea, and knowledge transfer in risk mitigation from other resources. Meshed stations could reduce infrastructure costs. Additionally, he pointed out that more studies on grid design are needed. Brendan observed that especially Germany and the Netherlands make too few interventions in EU energy policy issues. He predicted that the new EU Commissioner for energy will foster the development of a common framework for OSW in the North Sea Region. Brendan also underlined that the management of competing interests (socialization of costs, optimal grid design and cost harmonization of spatial/environmental practices) between member states is still a big task, e.g., due to a lack of trust and communication. Funding opportunities for renewable energy topics. Presentation by Isabel Sünner In a next step, Isabel Sünner, Senior Economist and representative of the Hamburg Institute of International Economics in Brussels, presented framework conditions and funding schemes for renewable energy topics (Horizon 2020, INTERREG VB, INTERREG Europe). Isabel gave examples of relevant Horizon 2020 calls dealing with the topic of OSW.

Isabel Sünner (photo) introduced key facts for transnational cooperation under INTERREG V B with a focus on three programme areas: Northwest Europe (NWE), North Sea Region (NSR) and Baltic Sea Region

5 She informed the audience that interregional co-operation (known as INTERREG C) will continue under the name of INTERREG Europe (IE). IE addresses administrative bodies implementing cohesion policy instruments on the regional level. One of the priority axes is the Low Carbon Economy. Isabel Sünner (photo) introduced key facts for transnational cooperation under INTERREG V B with a focus on three programme areas: Northwest Europe (NWE), North Sea Region (NSR) and Baltic Sea Region (BSR). She presented the results of stakeholder involvement processes, thematic priority axes, budgets and the time line. The first calls can be expected end 2014/beginning of 2015 (NSR, BSR) respectively first half 2015 (NWE). Isabel strongly emphasized that the topics environment and innovation are key topics in all three programme areas and the related priority axes offer a lot of potential for OSW related project applications. Creativity techniques for project development. Presentation by Karsten Seidel Dr Karsten Seidel, IkerConsulting, completed the first part of the workshop by presenting his approach for process creativity and proposal definition (photo with Mary Papaschinopoulou). He gave an outlook on the second day of the workshop which aims at receiving a common understanding on the variety of suggestions; classifying contributions into actions of short, medium and long-term duration; prioritizing those suggestions; allocating activities, responsibilities and resources for implementation as well as reaching the first outline sketch of a proposal idea.

Part B: Regional competence profiles in the field of offshore wind energy and experiences from other projects Offshore Wind Energy Market in Great Britain.

of the OSW market in the UK. Chris stated that it is the industry s strategy to note the importance of scale to attract investment and reduce cost.

6 Part B: Regional competence profiles in the field of offshore wind energy and experiences from other projects Offshore Wind Energy Market in Great Britain. Presentation by Chris Ashe Chris Ashe (photo), director of the Greater Manchester Sustainable Engineering University Technical College, examined the status quo and the prospects for the development of the OSW market in the UK. Chris stated that it is the industry s strategy to note the importance of scale to attract investment and reduce cost. Furthermore, he emphasized the cost reduction potentials of logistics, asset management, and training. The strategic partnership Dundee renewables which is a collaborative and one stop shop approach to information for inward investors, was presented hereafter. It operates infrastructure planning and conducts supply chain management and skills development workshops. Chris conclusively underlined that training standards currently differ too much within the EU respectively from company to company. Standardization should in his opinion be industrydriven (e.g., the creation of an industry forum), but the industry is not yet ready for that. Brendan Devlin stated that a forum for standardization of training would be appreciated by the EC. Eemshaven: Hub in Offshore Wind Logistics. Presentation by Erik Bertholet In the following presentation, Erik Bertholet, Business Manager Logistics at Groningen Seaports, presented the location Eemshaven as an offshore hub on the Dutch North Sea coast. He explained growth perspectives and national policy framework for OSW. Erik (photo) stressed that Eemshaven is equipped with special capacity for heavy load equipment to serve offshore wind parks in the North Sea.

7 Hauke Groeneveld added that there are huge cooperation potentials between the ports of Emden and Eemshaven. Growth Area Ems-Axis. Presentation by Carolin Schuback Carolin Schuback (photo), representative of the Ems-Axis region, gave an overview on the status quo and the potentials for the offshore wind energy industry in the region. Moreover, she presented results from her current project European North Sea Energy Alliance (ENSEA), particularly the energy system integration platform and the joint action plan for energy transition. ENSEA proposes the alternative use of existing plants instead of cost-intensive decommissioning ( green decommissioning ) as a well as on-site storage of OSW as natural gas. ENSEA applies a quadruple helix structure as operational level. South Baltic OFFER and Ecowinds projects. Presentation by Jonas Katz Jonas Katz, PhD Student at the Denmark Technical University (DTU), introduced DTU s OSWrelated activities and pointed out that the University has an Operation Research Institute specialized in logistics problems. He presented project activities within South Baltic OFFER (Wind Energy Atlas: model domains, meteorological conditions) and ECOWindS (FP7). Afterwards, Jonas (photo) pointed out to further needs for research, including weather models / weather conditions; optimizing installation and O&M; coordination of spatial planning; combining offshore wind farms and international interconnectors (off-shore grids); economic impact and market integration; economics of offshore grids; cooperation mechanisms for interconnected offshore wind farms; international coordination of support schemes and market integration; education of technicians and engineers; building of public and political acceptance for OSW.

Blue Energy Cluster West Flanders. Presentation by Pieter Mathys As a representative of the regional development agency of West Flanders (POM), Pieter Mathys presented the local "Blue Energy Cluster".

He underlined the need to put OSW in a more positive perspective. So far, the focus has only been on the costs and the view on OSW has been too negative.

8 Blue Energy Cluster West Flanders. Presentation by Pieter Mathys As a representative of the regional development agency of West Flanders (POM), Pieter Mathys presented the local "Blue Energy Cluster". Peter (photo) pointed out that Belgium is number three in OSW installation and the supply industry is developing. Oostende is the major offshore hub in the country. He underlined the need to put OSW in a more positive perspective. So far, the focus has only been on the costs and the view on OSW has been too negative. In his view, branding is important to improve public acceptance for OSW in the North Sea Region. Peter identified several fields of action for interregional cooperation in the OSW sector, including training, branding and promotion of SMEs. The Blue Energy Cluster is especially interested in projects in the fields of training and education (technical, safety, and academic level); in the development of an international network to support SMEs (advice, workshops, seminars, B2B) and in R&D projects to strengthen the research hub Oostende (i.e., test infrastructure for OSW with focus on O&M). From oil to wind? Utilizing many years of experience within the offshore oil & gas and maritime industry. Presentation by Rosemarie F. Gee to invest in this field limit growth. Rosemarie Frigstad Gee (photo), Project Manager at Norwegian Renewable Energy Partners (INTPOW), threw light on the situation of OSW in Norway. She pointed out ways to take advantage of the extensive experience in the field of offshore oil and gas for wind energy. Norway has great potentials for OSW, but low unemployment rates, power oversupply and a lack of special incentives Rosemarie stressed that Norway s key competencies in the field of OSW lie in the excellent conditions for OSW development in the North Sea; competitive markets; large supply chain

9 of equipment and services; project management and advisory; vast offshore experience from oil and gas sector as well as R&D. In her view, the creation of networking possibilities to facilitate knowledge transfer as well as innovative and cost-effective technology development within the OSW industry are important fields for interregional co-operation. Brendan Devlin commented that Norway has to find a balance between conventional energy assets and RES. He pointed out that from a political point of view Norway is the only energy supplier for the EU without risk and should be included in standardization efforts. During the joint networking dinner at Maison du Luxembourg, Count Jacques de Lalaing (photo), Managing Director of the Solar Power Group, and President of the Belgo-German Association, held a dinner speech about his experiences in the renewables sector: A personal journey through concentrated solar power (CSP) and renewable over the last 15 years. Part C: Discussion of project ideas The second day of the workshop started with the discussion of needs to tap cost reduction potentials in the area of OSWrelated logistics. Repair and maintenance of offshore wind power stations. Presentation by Jürgen Göken The first one to present was Jürgen Göken, Professor of Physics at the University of Applied Sciences Emden-Leer. Jürgen explained that material damping, material selection, transport of staff and spare parts, and cable repair strategies are important cost factors. He pointed out that operations and maintenance (O&M) and offshore logistics have immense cost reduction potentials. Jürgen mentioned three different maintenance concepts for OSW power stations dependent from the distance to the coast: offshore-based; heliports and workboat-based. Additionally, he recommended an increased use of composite materials for OSW components (optimized material selection) and stressed that the further development of the supply chain could result in a higher productivity. Cost reduction potentials in OSW-related logistics. Presentation by Hauke Groeneveld In his presentation, Hauke Groeneveld, Project Manager at MARIKO, presented approaches for cost reduction potentials in the field of offshore-related logistics. The offshore region

Ems-Axis was introduced as a region with a variety of players that operate in the OSW sector. 30-40% of the region s players are specialized in O&M and logistics.

10 Ems-Axis was introduced as a region with a variety of players that operate in the OSW sector % of the region s players are specialized in O&M and logistics. Hauke (photo) listed elements of costs in an offshore wind project: certification and approval, technology, installation, project contingencies, O&M; provisions for decommissioning and dismantling. Comments from the audience: Hauke requested to consider not so well known possibilities to reduce costs of logistics. He explained that for example repowering is a new aspect in logisticsrelated costs. Hauke put great emphasis on the idea that cost reduction throughout the entire supply chain should be taken into consideration. This should include improving technology and productivity to gain more weather windows. Chris Ashe stated that a sale of used OSW components to emerging countries could reduce costs. For onshore wind, a second market is already flourishing. He added that the internationalization of the supply chain in Scotland is not yet fully developed. From the audience, Wim Stubbe (Port of Oostende) noted that cost reduction can be achieved by multifunctional use of the offshore wind parks. Pieter Mathys pointed out to the fact that the so called last nautical mile is most costly when it comes to offshore operation and maintenance. Chris Ashe underlined that there is a need for a transnational OSW stakeholder (e.g. North Sea Region including Scotland).

island. Malta has the deepest waters within the Mediterranean Sea, but technologies now allow the installation of OSW. Omar presented three possible locations for future wind farms.

11 Offshore wind RES opportunities A Mediterranean island perspective. Presentation by Omar Cutajar The next presentation was held by Omar Cutajar (Photo), Malta Business Bureau Brussels, who threw a spotlight on the development prospects for OSW on a Mediterranean island. Malta has the deepest waters within the Mediterranean Sea, but technologies now allow the installation of OSW. Omar presented three possible locations for future wind farms. The grid interconnection with the European continent will be ready in Omar explained that Malta is currently strongly dependent on importing energy. By 2020, Malta intends to cover 40 % of its energy consumption out of OSW. Omar also addressed geographic particularities compared to the North Sea. In his view the O&M costs for OSW in Malta will be lower than in the North Sea due to a lack of tides and less strong swells and currents. He added that the Maltese are interested to co-operate with an already established OSW training center. Furthermore, Omar explained that Malta plans to develop a RES competence center in order to safeguard further research in this field. Project development Finally, the most interactive part of the workshop began. The joint project development session was facilitated by Karsten Seidel. All workshop participants were asked to state their expectations from an EUfunded project. In an interactive process, they defined the biggest needs for action in the field of OSW (photo), allocated priorities to those needs and formulated their expectations of possible solutions in the context of a joint EU project.

12 After evaluating the results, the most pressing fields of action can be summarized in five thematic blocks: 1) Strategic/political issues related to OSW 2) Testing of infrastructure 3) Training 4) Support to innovative SMEs 5) Financing Conclusions and planning of the follow-up workshop by Hauke Groeneveld Hauke Groeneveld outlined that the workshop has produced a great outcome and is an excellent starting point to deep dive into concrete project ideas in the follow-up workshop which is planned for November 2014 in Brussels. He announced to stay in contact with the workshop participants in order to further discuss the potential project ideas.

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