Member Info for LSE03

NSEC Action Plan extract

We welcome the progress made on the first Offshore Network Development Plan (ONDP), to be published by ENTSO-E in January 2024. The ONDPs will serve as guidance for future forward-looking network investments. We are moving further towards optimised integrated energy system planning in our preparations for the next 2026 ONDP as part of the Ten-Year Network Development Plan. We will, in cooperation with our electricity, gas and (future) hydrogen network operators, gather information on electrolysers and hydrogen infrastructure developments offshore and onshore planningto feed this into our (integrated) long-term grid-planning.

We recognise the importance of promoting cross-border

projects, innovative projects, offshore energy hubs, and hybrid grid solutions across borders when they enhance efficiency, lower prices for consumers and reduce environmental impacts.

Sustainable Supply Chain and Financing Offshore Renewables in Europe

6. NSEC ministers will take action to increase visibility and

predictability for the entire supply chain by enhancing

coordination, including cooperation on ports infrastructure, access to raw materials, pipes and cables. We take note of the developments of the Clean Energy Industrial Forum’s working group on offshore renewable energy and of the NSEC Ports Study. As a first step we will publish a joint NSEC offshore wind energy tender planning for the coming years to demonstrate that national governments translate ambitious targets into concrete action. This enables investments into the supply chain in Europe, including port infrastructure. Moreover, we will seek to get investors on board and unlock final investment decisions by giving long term investment signals in order to boost investor confidence.

7. We will jointly assess our experiences in the use of qualitative criteria in auctions, such as on circularity, nature protection and biodiversity, resilience, innovation, skills, responsible business conduct, social standards, and energy system integration. As well as on ensuring stability of energy prices through smart interactions between auctions and potentially de-risked (cross-border) power purchase agreements (PPAs). We will share best practices on this between NSEC members, for example building on expert recommendations. We will continue to look into cross-border financing solutions for offshore wind energy, such as the Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism and the Connecting Europe Facility, and continue to support the financing needs of other key cross-border infrastructures.

Https://windeurope.org/newsroom/press-releases/north-seas-energy-ministers-endorse-wind-power-package/

Partial Extract :

"the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC)** met in The Hague yesterday. They agreed a new NSEC Action Agenda for the build-out of offshore wind. This Agenda aims among other things to help strengthen Europe’s wind energy supply chain. In the same vein NSEC also welcomed the EU Commission’s Wind Power Package and pledged to actively engage in its implementation.

The NSEC countries want to build 76 GW offshore wind by 2030, 193 GW by 2040 and 260 GW by 2050. That will make the North Seas the power plant of Europe. But it needs close cross-border collaboration."

" The NSEC Action Agenda agreed yesterday sets out the necessary actions: in grid development, market design, financing, auction design, nature protection and offshore energy security."

"**The North Sea Energy Cooperation (NSEC):

Within the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC), nine European member states, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the European Commission are working together on the development of offshore wind energy and the associated infrastructure in the North Seas. The NSEC aims to jointly achieve the EU climate goals and renewable energy goals. In 2023 the NSEC is chaired by the Netherlands."

Thankyou Scaffman for your recent Science Direct post which highlights in it's conclusions the relative cost advantage of hydrogen storage using salt caverns near Belfast not just for Northern Ireland but for the island of Ireland. As the UK government and ROI government have recently ( Sep 2023 ) signed a MOU to collaborate on energy transition, there is the opportunity for both governments to engage on the potential of Islandmagee to support this, initially as a gas storage facility and then as a hydrogen storage facility. The British Irish Council is meeting this week and in past meetings they have also engaged on energy related matters for both governments. Funding may also become available from both governments to support the energy transition and security of both governments.

Https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.04.100

This is a v good read -19 pages regarding a very recent analysis of the island of Irelands Hydrogen storage and in particular the cost for each area

And Venture tug just approaching Canvey Island on way to delivering Cory barge today to customer.

£137k trade, that's big

The installation of the ARCEMY unit is a pivotal component of Austal USA Advanced Technologies’ additive manufacturing capability, actively under development at its purpose-built facility in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Austal USA’s investment in future capabilities aims to expand post-delivery support and sustainment offerings, supporting not only its own shipbuilding endeavours but also catering to multiple shipbuilders, maintenance providers, and naval forces including the US Navy, US Coast Guard, Royal Navy, and Royal Australian Navy across a wide spectrum of military ships deployed in the US and allied fleets.

Https://www.australianmanufacturing.com.au/aml3d-inks-2-2m-contract-with-austal-usa-for-largest-arcemy-system/

Https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/belfast-receives-38-million-funding-28117690

Belfast Harbour is one of the beneficiaries.

Https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-transition-uk-ireland-memorandum-of-understanding

This memorandum of understanding deepens the UK and Ireland’s bilateral relationship and enables closer working on important energy priorities including electricity interconnection and offshore hybrid assets, onshore grids, offshore and onshore renewables, maritime spatial planning, and low carbon hydrogen.

The signing in London at a British-Irish Energy Day was attended by UK Energy Secretary of State Claire Coutinho and Irish Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan.

Published 11 September 2023

Https://www.energylivenews.com/2023/10/19/hydrogen-is-like-an-insurance-policy-for-the-country/

Podcast worth a listen

Https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41271037.html

Https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/austals-titanic-mou-takes-it-to-the-uk

Https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/technology/arid-41271016.html

Partial extract

Stephen Prendiville, EY Ireland's head of sustainability, said: “The global drive for energy security and a recessionary environment means the renewables industry has never had a better opportunity to accelerate. Interdependent legacy market dynamics are no longer seen as sustainable, while domestically produced, low-cost, low-carbon — and in some cases, low-lead time — energy looks more attractive than ever. "

"Our stable economy and geographical positioning in the flow of material supply chains combined with capital investment, educated and skilled workforce, and the Government’s ambitious climate action policy, make Ireland a leading nation in this space. Notably, the report makes a particular reference to Ireland’s potential in offshore wind.

"We also know that there is significant potential for Ireland in area of green hydrogen production and storage. If we can unlock our full potential as part of the planning system reforms currently under investigation, I expect Ireland will climb the rankings quickly — and more importantly — we’ll be leading the way for the energy transition and positive climate action.”

80 days to 6 Feb :)

Story covered across a number of papers.

Extract from The Herald.

The Scottish Government said a direct award to state-owned CalMac is the preferred option for the next contract over the future of lifeline ferry services.

Ministers are to carry out further investigations over whether to give CalMac the contract for the beleaguered west coast ferry services and effectively close the door to opening routes up to private operators.

Https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-67441693.amp

Https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/austals-massive-order-book-in-year-of-more-ups-than-downs

An interesting read of Austal's position and link with US Navy.

Https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/shannon-lng-firm-offers-use-of-ship-to-hold-emergency-gas-stores/a632163235.html

Separately, they are trying to secure a long term LNG facility on the Shannon Estuary.

Https://renews.biz/89565/uk-unveils-1bn-manufacturing-war-chest/

The UK government has committed to offer a £960m funding pot to support clean energy manufacturing.

The cash, which will be eligible for offshore wind companies, is dubbed the Green Industries Growth Accelerator.

The government said it will support the expansion of home-grown supply chains, including in hydrogen, storage and nuclear.

From Ben Murray LinkedIn like

"From Fleet Solid Support to ferries on the Isles of Scilly…it’s fair to say that my first seven weeks with Harland & Wolff has been both varied and challenging – with genuinely no two days the same. I’m surrounded by a young team – in terms of time served – but each hugely experienced in their own areas of expertise from finance and legal to government and sector. The positive progress we’re making on a daily basis is breathtaking – and there’s so much more to come! And the view from the office is not bad either! With visits to our Southampton, Appledore and St. Mary’s sites (yes we now have an office on the Isles of Scilly) under my belt, next stop Belfast to see those cranes! Interested in what careers opportunities might be on offer for you? Check out our current vacancies and join the crew"