Emerging Offshore Wind Risks – Not Just Safety!

The next phase of our energy transition will see an evermore complex and interconnected energy infrastructure being developed. There appears positive momentum to address the policy, regulatory and macro-infrastructure & technological challenges ahead.

However, what about health & safety risks? Are we:

•  Thinking outside our silos about the risks and opportunities of new and emerging Technology & Innovations?
• Using the most useful and relevant Systems & Techniques to help identify, manage and provide proportionate risk assurance?
• Properly incentivising, motivating and developing a diverse current and future Workforce with the focus on competence and capability to achieve excellence?
• Creating the right Regulations & Standards that are fit for purpose and supported by engagement of the supply chain and key stakeholders?
• Recognising the potential threats from the misuse use of Data / IT – but above all embracing the multiple opportunities that can assist in de-risking the sector?
• Taking account of Global / Macro factors and acknowledging the need for open and transparent risk communication?

These issues cannot be addressed in isolation. The collective renewable energy sector needs to take the lead. Proactive and open engagement with the wider stakeholder community including government and regulators but especially the public and workers is essential.

In future blogs we will look at these areas in more detail and explore the risks and benefits of these challenges.