Waterman has an expanding portfolio of energy projects in the fields of conventional power generation, transmission, distribution, energy from waste and renewable energy projects.
In November 2011, Waterman attended the conference on offshore wind energy, organised by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) in Amsterdam.
The event, the largest of its type in the world, with over 8,200 participants and more than 480 exhibitors, was the biggest and busiest EWEA conference and exhibition to date. Waterman was invited by Scottish Development International to have a stand in the Scottish pavilion promoting Waterman’s experience in the wind and renewable energy sector. Stuart Burke and John McLoughlin from the Edinburgh office spent three days at the event increasing Waterman’s profile in this sector. They also had a chance to meet the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, Mr Fergus Ewing MSP, and Stuart took the opportunity to outline our experience within this sector and our vision and aspirations for the future in this growing market. A large number of people were interested in Waterman’s research and development proposal for a hybrid floating foundation which is aimed at reducing the high cost of locations wind turbines in deep water. Further design development and testing of the floating foundation is set to be carried out during 2012. The event also provided a number of leads for projects outside the UK and discussions are on-going with potential partners for these international opportunities.
As a result of the meeting with the Minister, Waterman has initiated discussions to set up an energy apprentice scheme based in Scotland, which aims to give young people experience with a range of firms operating in the renewable energy market. It is intended that the apprentices gain work experience by spending time with companies in the sector and combine this with attendance at college to gain formal qualifications.
[mappress]
Offshore WIND staff, January 10, 2012; Image: ewea