The UK’s energy supply chain received a boost today as an online portal for advertising lucrative contracts was relaunched with new features and dedicated sections for offshore and onshore wind.
The North Sea Transition Authority’s (NSTA) new and improved Energy Pathfinder portal has been backed by Scottish Renewables and RenewableUK, who have started actively encouraging members to promote contracting opportunities for wind energy projects on the platform.
The initiative is also being supported by the joint government and industry bodies, the Offshore Wind Industry Council and the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council.
The revamped Pathfinder portal was launched today at RenewableUK’s Global Offshore Wind conference in London.
Pathfinder answers the supply chain’s calls for a clearer picture of upcoming work both onshore and in the North Sea, enabling users to invest in skills and technologies and ensure that resources are available when needed.
Originally launched in 2010 to help offshore service companies target opportunities for work on oil and gas field developments, Pathfinder has expanded in recent years and now hosts details of well decommissioning campaigns, operations and maintenance programmes and increasing numbers of energy transition projects.
Pathfinder currently hosts information for more than 20 offshore wind projects, which, following the upgrade to the portal, are now clearly categorised as floating or fixed-bottom.
With Scottish Renewables’ and RenewableUK’s support in enhancing Pathfinder, the portal provides more specific information about these technologies and their associated contracts.
It is hoped that the improvements will encourage more wind energy developers to use the portal, creating a focal point for the industry.
Chief executive of the NSTA Stuart Payne said: “The UK’s offshore supply chain has the skills and expertise to service all areas of the UK energy sector, and make the transition a reality. That’s why it’s such good news that Pathfinder now has more opportunities in the wind sector, creating a one-stop shop for upcoming contracts.”
RenewableUK’s deputy chief executive Jane Cooper said: “Growing the UK’s onshore and offshore wind supply chains are key priorities for our industry to ensure that we take full advantage of the economic opportunities that the transition to renewable energy offers our country.
“The upgraded Pathfinder portal will help developers to get in touch with suppliers more easily, which will create opportunities for more products and services to come from companies based in the UK.”
Emma Harrick, director of the supply chain and energy transition at Scottish Renewables, added: “Clean energy already supports 47,000 jobs in Scotland and as the industry continues to grow, so do opportunities for suppliers across Scotland and the UK.
“Scottish Renewables has worked closely with the Energy Pathfinder team and our members to tailor the portal for our industry. The portal now provides on and offshore wind businesses with clear visibility of available tender invitations while enabling developers to connect with a broader network of local companies.
“This marks a positive step forward in improving access to opportunities for the growing clean energy supply chain and we encourage not only project buyers but also tier 1 contractors and all levels of the supply chain ecosystem to make full use of the platform.”