INDUSTRY COMMENT


A NEW ENERGY LANDSCAPE NEEDS NEW SKILLS… IS THE UK READY? Vysus Group CEO David Clark examines what lies ahead in the energy transition


For all the turbulence and challenges, the UK has, broadly speaking, shown itself to be a leader in moving the energy transition forwards. However, while the innovations are clearly demonstrated through the latest generation of wind turbines, solar farms, and hydrogen facilities, one key part of the puzzle remains somewhat out of joint: transitioning skillsets. The world needs to take a breath for a moment. We have, unquestionably, made sizeable strides in the technological side of renewable energy generation, for which huge credit must be given. But speaking frankly, it will all be for nothing if specific hurdles remain as high as they are right now. Regulations are of course essential for safety.


However, there is a risk that progress in upskilling the required workforce and ensuring we have the capabilities needed is being restricted by these. This is already evident in the oil and gas sector where, for instance, an oil rig reactivation in the North Sea will be subject to different regulations in offshore Africa. And this creates a knowledge gap which is often challenging to fill. There has long been a case for ‘traditional’ energy


industries such as oil and gas to demonstrate skills that can be transferred into clean energy. But again, there are simply too many blockages in the way of using these skills effectively in the new world. Energy projects are often kaleidoscopes of multiple


stakeholders all with different rulebooks to follow. One could see this as a masterclass in collaborative working, yet it can result in conflicting requirements. If we take the North Sea as an example, the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) is the single regulator responsible for the area, making it a more streamlined process without the background complications that we at Vysus Group have encountered in other regions. That said, overlap does still exist between other organisations – Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), Renewables UK, and the National Grid itself. And that’s not including regional agencies, such as Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland, and local governments. But crossover need not be an obstacle. It’s an opportunity to collaborate


and draw on the individual knowledge that each possess. In particular, oil and gas operators have a vast array of skills that are being transferred into the renewable sector, through asset management and other critical functions. Though some felt that the pledges made at COP26 could have gone further, they do represent milestones and it is now in these times of


upheaval that it is more important than ever to maintain progress. We, as a global community, cannot do that without focusing, at least in


part, on the necessary skills and capacities required to transform our energy matrix. Sustainability is not solely an environmental issue – it is also about economic growth, job and employment security, and well-governed policies. By making this concerted effort to pass the historical knowledge from oil and gas down to renewables, there is every opportunity that these areas will be made stable, with the health of the planet also in good hands. In the UK, there is clear evidence that oil and gas is diversifying. The


North Sea Transition Deal is a good representation of this in action – the Government’s One Year On report, published in March, refers to ‘a commitment to facilitate the reskilling of existing parts of the oil and gas workforce to ensure that people and skills are transferable across the wider energy sector’ and the subsequent Integrated People and Skills Strategy, released in May, addresses the challenges faced in the recruitment and retention of experienced workers to keep pace with supply demands. The latter goes on to reference an ‘integrated


approach’ when it comes to addressing the decline of STEM graduates and factors hindering the rollout of vocational employment programmes. It is important to stress that this does not become just another buzz-phrase and that action is actually taken. In fact, integration forms part of Vysus Group’s


own sustainability initiative, alongside the themes of collaboration and education, also referenced within the above strategy. Without first understanding the means in which we as an individual nation and as


global stakeholders can operate and where we need additional input from other regions (aka knowledge), we will continue to lag behind in the race to net-zero. More recent projects such as ACORN and others across the North of England have shown what we as a nation are capable of – but, on a global scale, we are not as far along as we ought to be. But let’s end on a positive note. Talent is out there, not only in Europe but


across Asia and Africa and in regions historically reliant on oil and gas. These are home to skilled individuals looking at broadening their knowledge and skills in the so-called new energy world. We need to use expertise internationally – being involved in engineering technology and projects is key if we want to attract new talent into the business but also to help industry develop new solutions to the evolving complexities of future energy generation and distribution. www.vysusgroup.com


HARNESSING THE POWER OF THE WIND FOR GREEN ENERGY PRODUCTION


Katrick Technologies has signed a partnership with Edinburgh Airport to facilitate the capture of previously untapped wind energy across the airport estate. The company will deploy wind mapping sensors to identify areas of unexploited low-level wind power on the site, before installing innovative wind panels to help the capture and utilise previously unused energy. The project will commence with the deployment


of sensors across the roof and outdoor spaces, plus the area surrounding the airport’s 2,556m runway. Using wind mapping data, Katrick Technologies can determine the optimal areas to deploy technology to capture and convert this energy. Katrick Technologies’ wind panels are said to be


an innovation for wind-based renewables. The wind panel consists of numerous channelling ducts where multi-layered patented aerofoils are located. These aerofoils work independently from


www.essmag.co.uk


one other to maximise energy capture and convert this energy into mechanical oscillations. From here, the oscillations are converted to a focal point before conversion to energy. The panels can capture more kinetic energy than


conventional wind turbines, while measuring just 4m x 4m and thus demanding a much smaller footprint. Moreover, the panels are cheaper than most other wind-based solutions, with a levelised cost of energy (LCOE) of just 8p/kW. “As an airport we are always looking to embrace


fresh ideas, particularly when it comes to the generation of green energy, and this technology has the potential to provide new opportunities around this,” explained Danny Quinn, technical asset director at Edinburgh Airport. “When installed, these sensors have the ability to identify untapped sources of wind energy across our campus, giving us the potential to become more efficient in the way


we run. We are pleased to be working with Katrick Technologies and are looking forward to seeing the benefits this partnership can deliver.” The partnership follows a similar consortium


between AGS Airports Limited (AGS), the organisation that manages Glasgow, Aberdeen International and Southampton airports, Katrick Technologies and the University of Strathclyde. www.katricktechnologies.com/wind- technologies


ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Winter 22/23 5


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