The TUS-ORE Catapult Research Centre (TORC) and UK Energy Technology Platform (ETP) are joining forces to support China’s growth in offshore renewable energy and showcase innovative UK energy transition technologies.
TORC, a joint venture between the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and TUS Wind in China, and UK ETP have signed a memorandum of understanding that aims to increase the visibility of emerging, existing and field-proven UK energy technologies in the Chinese market.
It will also enhance knowledge sharing among the UK ETP members, facilitate synergies between technologies and clients, provide additional services to help identify and reach the right buyers for their technology and highlight the potential for UK and Chinese company collaborations in China and potential UK inward investment and collaboration.
There are over 400 technologies already uploaded on the UK ETP, which was developed by TechnologyCatalogue.com and Carjon-NRG, to support the export of innovative UK technology and expertise.
TORC general manager David Findlay said: “Our collaboration with the UK Energy Technology Platform, which already has an extensive online directory of over 400 marine and energy technologies, will help us to further develop our offering to UK businesses, providing a shop window for UK companies looking to break into the Chinese market.
“Companies interested in working in China will have the opportunity to be directly promoted through this powerful alliance.”
TechnologyCatalogue.com Managing Partner Erik Nijveld said: “We’re excited to work with TORC. In light of current Covid-19, low oil/gas price and energy transition challenges, the need for accelerating effective technology deployment and export has increased significantly.
“Due to travel and meetings restrictions, suppliers are seeking alternatives to exhibitions and other conventional ways to attract buyers for their technology.
“The UK Energy Technology Platform makes finding technology for the operators and developers in the energy sector as easy as finding a great restaurant or accommodation online – and provide access to effective support services required to get the technology deployed.
“It also helps promising UK and Chinese energy suppliers across all facets of the energy sector to showcase their technologies to end-users in the UK, China and across the world.”
Carjon-NRG managing director Colin Black said: “Operators, developers and end-users in the energy industry are keen to innovate, but they often struggle to know which technologies are available, and what has already been used by other operators and developers and in other parts of the world.
“For most in the energy sector, it can be almost overwhelming and impossible to find what is available quickly.
“Many may find it challenging to compare and have a clear overview of a technology’s pros and cons and specifications, as well as, any relevant track record and reviews from companies that have already used the technology.
“Also, people often don’t have the specific technical expertise required to sustainably embed the technology in their business.
“This is where the MoU between TORC and the UK ETP comes into play, helping increase the visibility of UK technology in China and may also lead to potential Chinese inward investment in the UK.”
Scottish Development International head of China and head of energy trade Asia Pacific Kevin Liu said: “I am very excited to see this tie up between TORC and UK ETP, which I believe will help to bring more industry leading energy technology from Scotland into the China market, and provide a strong springboard for Scottish supply chain companies to win more Chinese business.
“UK ETP’s user-friendly online platform can offer Chinese operators, developers and contractors a simple way to browse and search for Scottish solutions, while Scottish companies can make good use of TORC’s landing and incubation service to build their China presence in a secure and cost-effective manner.”