New co-chair of OWIC takes seat

DONG Energy Wind Power’s country manager, Benj Sykes, is the new co-chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) by Business and Energy Minister, the Rt. Hon Michael Fallon MP, who also co-chairs the group.

The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) is the strategic partnership forum between Government and the offshore wind industry. OWIC’s role is to drive offshore wind deployment, bring down costs and build a successful, competitive UK-based industry. It oversees delivery of the Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy, which sets out how the industry and Government work together to deliver growth in the sector.

Sykes replaces Keith Anderson, the Chief Corporate Officer of ScottishPower, who has held this role since 2010, and will remain a member of OWIC.??

Before working with DONG Sykes held a number of positions with The Carbon Trust, including the Director of Innovation role. Before working in the low carbon sector he gained significant experience in the oil and gas sector, mainly with Hess Corporation.

Sykes commented: “OWIC has an important job in helping to drive the UK’s offshore wind industry forward. I’m looking forward to taking on this exciting and challenging role, and working closely with Government and the members of OWIC to drive down the cost of offshore wind and deliver a competitive and diversified supply chain, ensuring that offshore wind delivers on its potential to play a vital role in the UK’s energy mix for many years to come.”