Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has appointed Adam Morrison as new co-chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC).
Morrison (pictured), the UK country manager of Ocean Winds, will take over the role from Richard Sandford, who will step down from his two-year term this month.
The appointment was announced at RenewableUK’s Global Offshore Wind conference in London today.
Morrison has more than two decades of experience across the renewable energy industry, initially working in the wave and tidal sector before moving into developing large-scale onshore and offshore wind projects.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Government co-chair of OWIC, said: “I’d like to welcome Adam to his new role at such an exciting time for the offshore wind industry as we deliver our clean power 2030 mission.
“I’d also like to thank Richard for his leadership over the past two years, helping to develop the UK’s world-leading status in offshore wind – creating thousands of jobs and attracting private investment.
“I look forward to working with Adam and OWIC members to help the UK go even further and faster, boosting our energy security so we can protect families and businesses from future energy price shocks.”
Sandford said: “It’s been a great privilege to help to lead OWIC during a crucial period in the offshore wind industry’s development.
“By working closely with the Government, we’ve secured vital new clean energy capacity for the UK at a time when boosting Britain’s energy security has never been more important.
“I’m pleased to be handing over to Adam as I know he will make a huge success of his new role, building on the work done so far in this innovative and dynamic sector to maintain and enhance the UK’s position as a global leader in offshore wind.”
Commenting on his appointment, Morrison said: “It’s an honour to take on this role at a time when our world-leading offshore wind industry is working hard to develop world-class projects at pace to meet the Government’s target of clean power by 2030.
“I’d like to pay tribute to Richard for the excellent job he’s done during his tenure as co-chair – although he’s a hard act to follow, I’m delighted to be appointed at a time when the industry and Government are working closely together to maximise exciting opportunities for economic growth by building up new supply chains for fixed-bottom and floating wind in coastal communities around the country, for projects here and exports worldwide.”