The £2.8 million 5G PORTAL in Lincolnshire creates the world's largest offshore wind ‘living lab’. Led by ORE Catapult and partners like Microsoft and ABP, it offers full-scale wind farm access for tech demos. Located at Grimsby port and Lynn & Inner Dowsing wind farm, it revolutionizes offshore wind O&M with remote digital solutions. Robotics, sensors, cyber security, and zero emission vessels will be tested, giving UK innovators an edge in a booming global market. Fifteen 5G transmitters and solar-powered buoys create a 45 sq km private network.

In recent years, the wind industry faced sustainability challenges with decommissioned turbine blades ending up in landfills. Siemens Gamesa introduced the world’s first recyclable blade in 2021, used at RWE’s Kaskasi wind farm in Germany. These blades feature a resin that enables easy recycling of carbon and glass fibres. RWE committed to deploying these blades at scale in the Sofia offshore wind farm, with 44 turbines set to use the technology. This pioneering move fosters sustainability and innovation, positioning the Humber region as a leader in offshore wind development.

The offshore wind industry, vital for clean energy, grapples with high operational carbon emissions. Crew transfer vessels (CTVs) burn 1,500 litres of diesel daily, emitting 475,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. Tidal Transit aims to tackle this with the world’s first retrofitted E-CTV, e-Ginny, funded by ZEVI. Retrofitting a diesel vessel to electric addresses sustainability and lifecycle concerns. With increased charging infrastructure, e-Ginny offers zero emissions, reduced noise pollution, and lower maintenance costs, paving the way for a greener industry.

Aura, a beacon of innovation, champions inclusivity and gender equality. With 56% female representation, it fosters diverse perspectives and skills essential for success. Collaboration between genders is key, highlighting the impact of diversity on innovation and productivity. Aura's initiatives, like the Turning the Tide Project, blend science and arts to explore women's roles in renewables. Led by Louise Smith, Aura drives gender equality projects like HWiW, empowering women through leadership courses. This commitment to equality distinguishes Aura, reflecting the University of Hull's dedication to breaking gender barriers.

At MS3, prioritising workforce productivity and employee experience drives its business ethos. Its dedication to diversity and inclusion is evident in initiatives like its Wellbeing Team, fostering holistic employee wellness with mental health support. The "Blue Monday" program encourages relaxation, highlighting its commitment to work-life balance. Impartial recruitment ensures fairness, while its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion policy, alongside inclusive leadership training, cements its commitment to diversity. Its forthcoming Culture Page reinforces these values. This shortlisted nomination for the Diversity and Inclusion Award reflects the business’s ongoing efforts to cultivate an inclusive, diverse workplace.

RES places a high priority on Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), which is deeply ingrained in its culture and receives strong support from top-level executives. The RESpect strategy is aligned with the company's ambition to become the preferred employer in its sector. Five Affinity Networks, endorsed by executives, actively promote inclusivity. Notable achievements include gender pay reporting, LGBTQ+ policies, and collaborations to address racial issues. Positive results from PEAKON surveys validate the effectiveness of RES's D&I efforts. The company's strategy focuses on inclusive leadership and social impact, with a commitment to address global diversity challenges and ensure equitable rewards. Initiatives include participation in the WISE programme and the appointment of a global D&I leader to drive progress. The new strategy aims to identify and eliminate systemic barriers, fostering a more inclusive workplace across all aspects of the organisation's operations.

As sponsors of the Waterline Student Sustainability Challenge, Equinor offered a transformative trip to Norway for winning students from the Engineering UTC of Northern Lincolnshire. The visit exposed them to low-carbon technologies like the Northern Lights project and hydrogen transition initiatives. Meeting young apprentices and presenting their project at a local school fostered cross-cultural friendships and inspired environmental initiatives. The experience empowered students, many facing their first plane trip, to consider energy sector careers and engage their community in sustainability efforts, demonstrating impactful outreach to underprivileged groups.

Ørsted's Community Engagement team, connects communities with the offshore wind industry, aiming to demystify its varied roles. Volunteers engage through school visits, career fairs, and tailored workshops, showcasing diverse career paths. With 98% of requests fulfilled in 2023, over 58,000 people engaged, including 853 hosted at the East Coast Hub's Visitors’ Centre. School visits and work experience opportunities spread awareness, doubling this year due to demand. Notably, a doctor-turned-technician apprentice reflects the impact of their outreach efforts, inspiring career transitions.

Projekt Renewable, Grimsby (PRG), initially conceived in 2021 to rejuvenate Alexandra Dock, has evolved into a hub promoting renewable energy awareness. Richard Askam spearheaded PRG, supported by government and industry grants exceeding £1 million. Housed in repurposed shipping containers, PRG hosts educational experiences from industry leaders like RWE and NSPCC. Phase 2, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, introduces boat trips to offshore wind farms and community events. PRG fosters community engagement, offering space for cultural events and supporting local initiatives like The Culture House and Youth Horizon.

The £2.8 million 5G Portal, led by the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (OREC) consortium, including Microsoft and others, establishes the world's largest offshore wind 'living lab'. Located at Grimsby port and Lynn & Inner Dowsing wind farm, it offers real-world testing for tech developers. This initiative aims to revolutionize offshore wind O&M with remote digital solutions, promoting safety and efficiency. Demonstrations include robotics, cyber security, and zero emission vessels, providing UK innovators an edge in a booming global market. Powered by 15 5G transmitters and a solar buoy, it offers a 45 sq km private network.

River Energy and Renewables has built a strong partnership with Hull City Council, facilitating solar installations and renewable projects across the local area. They installed solar panels for the renowned RSPCA centre in Hull, aiding their mission to provide care for neglected animals. Recognising their financial constraints, they secured funding and implemented an efficient solar solution, saving the charity money and reducing carbon emissions. This investment is projected to recoup costs within five years, demonstrating its financial viability and environmental impact. We take pride in our contributions to sustainability and community welfare.

As one of the few accredited solar PV installers in Lincolnshire, RUSK Group has become a key partner to major companies. With a focus on tailored solutions and proactive engagement, RSUK Group delivered a bespoke 99.76kW (featuring 232 high efficiency, 430 watt) panel solar PV system for Graypen Group's Head Office, significantly reducing electricity costs and carbon emissions. This successful collaboration exemplifies RSUK Group's leadership in the renewable energy sector, showcasing measurable impacts and transformative practices.

Aura Centre for Innovation "Turning the Tide" educates on women's roles in renewable energy and offshore wind through dance. In partnership with 'Women's Movement 100', the project reimagines the industry's beauty and functionality. By showcasing offshore wind’s power and potential, it aims to attract women to this revolutionary field and research area. Through dance, the 15 'angels of the north' express industry strength and beauty, inspired by past equality struggles. The exhibition redefining industry norms and promoting gender equality ran from September 9th to October 20th, 2023 at University of Hull Campus.

Hull College pioneers forward-thinking education beyond traditional norms, offering tailored sustainability and renewable energy courses to over 2,651 students. Developed in collaboration with 100+ industry leaders, our curriculum ensures relevance and practicality, recognised by Ofsted for personal development achievements. It cultivates a culture of continuous learning, with over 200 staff trained alongside students. Hull College’s commitment extends beyond the classroom, engaging students in real-world sustainability projects and promoting environmental stewardship campus-wide. Positioned at the heart of the "Energy Estuary," Hull College is driving industrial decarbonization and renewable innovation with cutting-edge courses.

RWE has implemented two initiatives to bolster the offshore wind industry and cultivate skilled technical professionals. The Wind Turbine Technician apprenticeship offers hands-on training, ensuring a pipeline of talent. Currently, 17 ex-apprentices are employed full-time across RWE's wind farms, with 11 more in training. An additional four apprentices will be recruited in 2024. Participants earn NVQ level 3 in wind turbine operations and maintenance and a Level 3 diploma in wind turbine maintenance. Moreover, the Technician Career Pathway Scheme upskills existing staff, enhancing knowledge and leadership skills, resulting in increased productivity and profitability.

The company achieved remarkable growth in 2023, with revenue reaching £40 million, a significant increase from £26 million in 2022. A private investment firm recognized our outstanding performance, investing in July 2023 to support our global expansion and transition to clean energy. Our growth enabled us to develop staff skills, provide career opportunities locally, and represent the Humber region internationally. Technician numbers surged to 300 in 2023, with investments in upskilling. Strategic recruitment expanded our teams, increasing headcount by 80% to 56 employees. We strengthened customer partnerships, securing major contracts for projects like the Dogger Bank. Awards from SGRE recognized our safety efforts. Geographically, we expanded operations to four continents, solidifying our presence in key regions worldwide.

Hobson & Porter entered the renewable energy sector in 2014, constructing facilities for Ørsted, formerly Dong Energy Power (UK), for the Westernmost Rough wind farm. They expanded their reach, undertaking international projects in Northern France. Revenues surpassed £30m with flagship projects like the Aura Innovation Centre and Ørsted’s East Coast Hub. They've also collaborated with Associated British Ports, RWE, and Siemens Gamesa. The company's involvement in projects like the Horizon Youth Zone demonstrates their commitment to the region's economic growth driven by renewable energy.

RWE's commitment to the Humber region entails substantial investment, fostering local employment and supply chain prospects. Operating Triton Knoll and Humber Gateway wind farms from Grimsby, and constructing Sofia and Dogger Bank South sites, RWE solidifies its presence in the area. The 'Grimsby Hub' signifies RWE's dedication, with construction by Hobson & Porter, bringing new employment opportunities. The company's plan for a Centralised Control Room further cements Grimsby's importance in the UK's offshore wind sector. RWE also emphasises skills development, offering apprenticeships and supporting local initiatives like 'Projekt Renewable'. They've sponsored various local events, highlighting their commitment to the region's prosperity.