Port of Tyne and Equinor partner with North East Energy Catalyst network

A port operator and a firm supporting the delivery of a huge offshore wind farm have become partners of a regional energy organisation.

The Port of Tyne and Equinor have joined the North East Energy Catalyst network.

Founded in 2019, the Catalyst aims to invite and co-ordinate engagement with industry and business that promotes opportunities to diversify and commercialise new solutions while delivering regional growth and employment.

Equinor is part of the joint venture behind Dogger Bank, which developers say is the world’s largest offshore wind farm.

It previously announced plans to build a 200-job operations and maintenance base at the Port of Tyne [pictured above], in the process supporting the trading conduit’s Tyne 2050 strategy, which aims to make the base one of the most environmentally sustainable ports in the UK by 2030.

Dr Jo North, Port of Tyne’s technology and transformation director, said: “Having collaborated with the North East Energy Catalyst in several exciting and beneficial ventures, we are delighted to cement this relationship.

“The Catalyst has been extremely proactive in bringing partners and solution providers to the port and receptive to approaches for help and support when needed.”

Tom Nightingale, Equinor’s North East stakeholder manager, added: “The broad range of assets and organisations we can access presents exciting opportunities for collaboration and research in offshore wind and the wider energy space.

“The Catalyst aims to solve innovation challenges and support the development of the offshore wind industry in the UK and beyond, aligning with our goals as a developer with offshore wind activities globally.

Facilitated by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, the network includes Newcastle University; Durham University; Northumbria University; Zero Carbon Futures (a subsidiary of Gateshead College); Northern Powergrid; Northern Gas Networks; the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult; the British Engines Group; the Innovation SuperNetwork; Northumbrian Water; the North of Tyne Combined Authority; and the North East Combined Authority.

David Lynch, North East Local Enterprise Partnership energy innovation partnership manager [pictured below], added: “Both the Port of Tyne and Equinor are at the forefront of the offshore wind revolution and play a pivotal role in our shared goal of creating a green and resilient economy, as well as reaching our target of net-zero emissions.

“Along with our other key partners, we are delighted to welcome Port of Tyne and Equinor to the North East Energy Catalyst.”