INEOS Group, the multinational manufacturer, will provide an update to the offshore supply chain regarding its North Sea activity, and highlight the role natural gas has to play in meeting future energy requirements, at a major conference in the North East of England.
Hosted and organised by business development organisation, NOF Energy, the conference, Energy: A Balanced Future, which is now in its sixth year, will see more than 400 delegates gather at Sage Gateshead to discuss the latest developments and challenges facing the industry.
Tom Crotty, Director at INEOS will present the group’s plan for the Grangemouth refinery, its approach to the development of the UK’s Shale Gas industry and the opportunities it will generate for supply chain companies, as a result of its increased activity in the offshore industry.
INEOS has become a major player in the offshore sector since it acquired all of German-based DEA Group’s North Sea gas fields, which provide approximately 8% of the UK’s gas supply – enough to warm one in ten British homes.
Taking place on 8 and 9 March, the event features an impressive line-up of speakers from high-profile energy companies such as Jacobs, Apache North Sea, JDR Cables, Tidal Lagoon Power, IW Decom and Amec Foster Wheeler.
Energy: A Balanced Future also incorporates an exhibition showcase area, where in excess of 60 energy-related companies will be demonstrating and discussing their skills, products and services to delegates; confirmed exhibitors include AJT Engineering, Tracerco, Macaw Engineering, DavyMarkham, Tees Components and McEvoy Engineering.
Supported by platinum sponsor North East Local Enterprise Partnership, additional sponsors include Silver Sponsor Engica and Bronze Sponsor UK Trade & Investment, the event addresses the need for a balanced energy mix and covers oil, gas, nuclear, offshore renewables and shale gas.
George Rafferty, NOF Energy Chief Executive, said: “The energy industry is currently undergoing a significant transformation, which will require operators and contractors to examine and re-evaluate current practices, in search of technology-led efficiency gains.
“This need for change, exacerbated by low oil prices makes this year’s conference all the more important for players in the industry; Energy: A Balanced Future provides an ideal platform for all companies, regardless of size to engage with each other, and generate collaborative relationships.”
Mr Crotty added: “Open communication between operators and the wider supply chain is now more important than ever, which is why INEOS is making a continued effort to interact and build our supplier network wherever possible. The future success of operators and the supply chain is largely co-dependent and events such as this demonstrate industry’s willingness to progress as one.”
Andrew Hodgson, Chairman of Platinum sponsors, North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It’s encouraging to see the North East of England playing host to major energy companies and continuing to reinforce its status as a hub for innovation.
“The North East’s supply chain has the skills to work alongside international operators, and make a significant contribution to their continued search for performance-related savings.”
To register as a delegate or to book exhibition space, contact Sophie Palleschi on +44(0)191 3846464 or emailspalleschi@nofenergy.co.uk