Well for me, it’s a combination of energy and technology. And more specifically, renewable energy and technology. It’s such a topical area at the moment too and not a day seems to go by without something concerning our energy future grabbing the headlines - whether it’s the ban of all petrol and diesel cars from 2040 or the Government’s new Faraday Challenge for battery technology.
What’s truly exciting is that the UK is leading the world in renewable technology and so I’m delighted to be at a company that’s right at the forefront of this shift to a new, smarter energy system. DONG Energy is the world leader in offshore wind and is playing its part in putting the UK at the heart of the global energy transition.
There have already been some standout moments in my time with the company, and one of those was the installation of the first ever wind turbine blades to be manufactured at the Siemens factory in Hull at our Race Bank wind farm. The milestone at Race Bank is important not just for that project, but for the whole industry. We’re seeing a world leading supply chain for offshore wind thrive in the UK, with businesses that can not only supply projects here but are also ready to export around the globe.
Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Greg Clark recently said the Humber was the Government’s Industrial Strategy in action and he’s absolutely right. We have a major presence in this area and we’re seeing offshore wind, alongside other renewable technologies, contribute to the regeneration of the region - creating highly skilled jobs, training the next generation of young people and providing the certainty for businesses to invest in new facilities.
On the other side of the UK, construction has just finished on our brand new operations base on the banks of the Mersey. This is an amazing new facility which will serve both of our Burbo Bank wind farms.
These projects, happening across of the North of the UK, are only a snapshot of what we’re delivering but they already make me feel hugely encouraged about what awaits over the coming months and years. I believe we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible too.
Read the full blog