Offshore Renewables at Oceanology

To mark these achievements 'New Scientist' magazine will focus on 'Offshore renewables: challenges and opportunities' in a session at the forthcoming Oceanology International (London's ExCeL, 9th to 11th March). "This session, being held on Thursday 11 March will be a briefing for all attending Oceanology International 2010. Their expertise will be invaluable to the development of marine renewables, it also marks the first time that 'New Scientist' has held a session at our event," says Event Manager, James Coleman.

"To reach the present state offshore wind, tidal and wave developers have needed scientific and engineering innovation. There is much more to be done if they are to become as efficient as possible and fulfil their commercial promise. The session will look at the challenges that have been overcome and where the next opportunities will arise."
Speakers in 'Offshore renewables: challenges and opportunities' include Benjamin Sykes, Head of The Carbon Trust's Offshore Renewables Programme; Peter Fraenkel, Technical Director of Marine Current Turbines, whose SeaGen - the world's biggest tidal power machine - is generating power in Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland; and Peter Madigan, Head of Offshore Renewables at the British Wind Energy Association. Like all Oceanology International conference sessions, it is free to attend for all visitors and exhibitors.

"All interested in the vital role that geotechnics plays in the emerging offshore renewable energy sectors should watch the podcast on the event website, featuring Pat Power, managing director of Fugro GeoConsulting Limited," says James Coleman.

"We have five one-day technical conferences on Navigation & Positioning, Marine Environment, Ocean Observation & Forecasting, Hydrography/Geophysics, and Geotechnics. Pat heads the committee that has put together the technical content of our one-day conference on Geotechnics, and will be delivering a keynote address 'Advances in reducing shallow geological risk to offshore projects from near shore to ultra deep water'."

The Oceanology International website also includes podcasts by Professor Ralph Rayner, head of the Observation & Forecasting conference committee and Andy W. Hill, BP's Global Technical Authority for Marine Geohazards characterisation and a Technical Advisor to the BP Upstream business who heads the Hydrography/ Geophysics committee.

In addition to the conference the biennial event features a major exhibition with over 500 suppliers of the latest technology and service developments covering every discipline. Oceanology International also attracts vessels of many disciplines from around the world to demonstrate new technologies and host networking functions - the event is noted for networking opportunities; associated meetings, like the 'New Scientist' one from dozens of industry associations, work groups and end-user organisations; and hosts a Careers Day for those looking for a career in the rapidly expanding sectors it represents.